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Marlin 45-70 vs. 44mag

AKMtnsAKMtns Member Posts: 4 ✭✭
edited May 2002 in Ask the Experts
Does anyone have experience with either the Marlin "Guide Gun" or their model 1894? The Guide gun is a 45-70 and the 1894P is 44mag. I'm a fishing guide in Alaska and am debating between these two to carry with me when I'm guiding guests on rivers in the remote bear country. While I know the 45-70 is much more powerful, it holds 5 rounds compared to the 9 or 10 I can have with the 44 mag. Or maybe another gun you might suggest. I grew up in Alaska and have always carried a shotgun for the bruins but I think one of these would be easier and lighter to tote around. I also have thought about just getting a revolver but not sure about that. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

Chris
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Comments

  • NighthawkNighthawk Member Posts: 12,022 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You have chosen two good rifles.But if I had to deal with a hungry grizzly I would want tne 45-70 on my side, it outperforms any 44mag load. I am not putting down the .44mag,I am a fan of it. The best thing to remember with either caliber is shot placement. Hope this helps.


    Good Luck.

    Rugster

    Edited by - rugster on 05/10/2002 09:09:05
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  • PiadeaPiadea Member Posts: 146 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I concur with Rugster, I have both guns and there is no comparison between the two in stopping power. For bear, the 45-70 is the only choice.
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  • AKMtnsAKMtns Member Posts: 4 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Now that the 45-70 vs 44mag is solved, what do you think of the new 450 round that they offer, it's supposed to be better than the 45/70 but I can't get it in stainless, do you think it would make a big enough difference to sacrifice getting a stainless gun, or is the blued version hardy enough that I don't really need a stainless?
    Thanks a lot for the feedback guys!
    Chris
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  • CS8161CS8161 Member Posts: 13,596 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you handload, you can almost duplicate the 450 Marlin ballistics in your 45-70 guide gun. There is also a company called Buffalo Bore Bullets that makes a a hot 45-70 round, but its only for use in modern actions such as Marlin, Ruger etc..don't use it in an antique or you could be hurt and the gun destroyed.

    Chris8161
    Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof!
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  • michael minarikmichael minarik Member Posts: 478 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You say "I'm a fishing guide in Alaska and am debating between these two to carry with me when I'm guiding guests on rivers in the remote bear country." and "but I can't get it in stainless....I don't really need a stainless?" After a few outting on the river and maybe falling in or getting pulled in by the proverbial big one or all the boat spray moisture rusting your blue model...enuff said about that...but you not being able to get a stainlss 45-70...then let me know and how soon do you need one? My dealer is a bit tenacious and he gets what he goes after and I believe he can get you a stainlss one...If I was lucky enuff to be in your postion...I'd get the stainlss 45-70 WITH HESITATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Az for the 45-70 vs the 450: check availability of ammo for each in your area and the 450 ammo is quite expensive and simply not that much better than the 45-70!
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  • michael minarikmichael minarik Member Posts: 478 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My previous posting... WITH OUT HESITATION GET THE STAINLESS 45-70....sorry...
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  • AKMtnsAKMtns Member Posts: 4 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    What I meant was that I couldn't get the 450 in stainless. I can (and am) getting the 45/70 in stainless. Looking forward to see how it performs. Thanks
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  • flatdogflatdog Member Posts: 201 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:
    Does anyone have experience with either the Marlin "Guide Gun" or their model 1894? The Guide gun is a 45-70 and the 1894P is 44mag. I'm a fishing guide in Alaska and am debating between these two to carry with me when I'm guiding guests on rivers in the remote bear country. While I know the 45-70 is much more powerful, it holds 5 rounds compared to the 9 or 10 I can have with the 44 mag. Or maybe another gun you might suggest. I grew up in Alaska and have always carried a shotgun for the bruins but I think one of these would be easier and lighter to tote around. I also have thought about just getting a revolver but not sure about that. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

    Chris
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  • flatdogflatdog Member Posts: 201 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:
    Does anyone have experience with either the Marlin "Guide Gun" or their model 1894? The Guide gun is a 45-70 and the 1894P is 44mag. I'm a fishing guide in Alaska and am debating between these two to carry with me when I'm guiding guests on rivers in the remote bear country. While I know the 45-70 is much more powerful, it holds 5 rounds compared to the 9 or 10 I can have with the 44 mag. Or maybe another gun you might suggest. I grew up in Alaska and have always carried a shotgun for the bruins but I think one of these would be easier and lighter to tote around. I also have thought about just getting a revolver but not sure about that. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

    Chris

    Hello Chris,

    There is a simple answer to your problem. Buy them both, but get the 45-70 Guide Gun in SS first.Both are great for their intended uses. But as i see it you need to immobilize a very powerfull fast and dangerous animal before it can cause harm or death. I own both of these guns and like both, they are easy to carry,store,and fast on target. But there is no doubt that the 45-70 is the way to go.
    Check out www.buffalobore.com, www.garrettcartridges.com ,www.cor-bon.com. These companies carry what you need for ammunition.
    Oh, one more thing. I just thought of one situation where i might choose the .44mag over the 45-70. That being if i only had standard factory ammo for the 45-70 but i did have premium ammo from one of the above companies for the .44mag. Hope this helps some.

    Good Luck
    Robert
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