Navy Arms SMLE in 45/70?

D@D

Are these rifles any good? I'm thinking about getting one for use as a brush gun. Can they take the pressure of the hotter buffalo bore ammo or no? I have a choice one built on the No.4 MK I or Lithgow No.1 MK III, which would be the better gun?

richbug

for me, the sights are much easier to use on a #4


SMLE's are every bit as strong as the Marlin 1895, I wouldn't hesitate to use any ammo intended for them. I would not use ammo intended or labeled "Ruger or Mauser only".

TWalker

These are pretty nice rifles. Mine is built on a Lithgow No.1 MKIII action. I shoot standard factory Remington 405 grain soft point loads in mine. It does great. I don't know how hot you can go. Probably pressures for the Marlin 1895 would be about right. I doubt that you'll need more than standard factory loads for a close range brush gun.

1KYDSTR

I agree totally with Richbug. Stay within the pressure limits of the Marlin 1895 and you ahould be fine. The Mk1 #4 sights are indeed better, and the little Navy Arms carbine is a great truck/brush gun. Enjoy whichever you choose.

dfletcher

I have a few 45/70s and which pressure limits to use are always
a concern. I would think the SMLE action would do fine with 1895 level, but do remember if you reload brass life may not be that great due to the rear locking lugs. I would think the relatively low pressure 1873 type loads would be OK for most applications and increase brass life.

I always thought the SMLE 45/70 combo was pretty neat. Nothing fancy just a big bullet & OK rifle design.