-
Forum Update: We've upgraded the software to improve security, performance, and the overall experience.
👉 Read why we made the change | Support the Forum
Marlin 1895 LTD II
- Thread starter richcory
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Ivan the Butcher
Member
I have a 1986 production Browning version of a 1886 with a 26" octagon barrel. Those heavy barrels will soak up the recoil of any factory ammo! In fact they soak up recoil of the "Quite a bit Hotter" ammo recoil also. My Marlin Guide Gun, NOT SO MUCH!
Ivan
Ivan
Marlins are great rifles. Especially the pre-Remington ones. I have several in different calibers and always keep an eye out for more. Looking forward to your range report.
cowboy4evr
Member
I recently picked up one of the older 1894's . Mines chambered in 44-40 , serial # 521 . It's in very good condition for it's age . I probably paid too much , but since it was a private treaty deal - face to face , there was no sales tax . The day will come when I get a Marlin in 45-70 . I already have a mold made especially for Marlins (450 grs) and some brass . Regards, Paul
Ivan the Butcher
Member
I have 14 moulds for 45 Caliber Rifles. If I could have only one it would be the 300 grain HP! Light recoil, with devastating performance on Moose on down!
For Bison I'd stick with 450-535 grain RN! Bear loads in a Guide Gun, 400 grain hard cast RN w gas check at 2100 fps! (works like a dream!) Any bullet kills phone books, tin cans and clangs gongs!
For Bison I'd stick with 450-535 grain RN! Bear loads in a Guide Gun, 400 grain hard cast RN w gas check at 2100 fps! (works like a dream!) Any bullet kills phone books, tin cans and clangs gongs!
OP
In my Browning 1886, I used the Buffalo Bore 405 jacketed load backed up by the 430 grain hardcast load. Both were accurate in my rifle. In my new mfg Winchester 1886 Short Rifle I have only shot the HSM Cowboy loads in it. Both of these rifles have crescent steel butt plates.
I'm hoping to shoot this Marlin tomorrow.
Here are some photos of the Browning & it's work.
Cory
I'm hoping to shoot this Marlin tomorrow.
Here are some photos of the Browning & it's work.
Cory
Attachments
OP
Here's some photos of my Winchester 1886. RMEF Life Member rifle. 24" round barrel vs the 26" octagon on the Browning. You can feel the difference in the balance when holding them back to back.
Cory
Cory
Attachments
Ivan the Butcher
Member
I never compared any of the shorter 86's to my rifles (I got rid of a 2005 Winchester in 45-90 w/26" Barrel). It's been a few years since I handled the standard Marlin (22") but the 1895 CB with a 26" Octagonal was almost as heavy as my Browning. They are all pretty light compared to the 1874 Sharps 30" Octagonal!
I see you get to prove that 45-70 doesn't have a trajectory too arched for real hunting, as many uninformed believe!
Ivan
I see you get to prove that 45-70 doesn't have a trajectory too arched for real hunting, as many uninformed believe!
Ivan
OP
I have a Marlin with a 22" barrel but I haven't shot it yet & I don't have a photo.
I did a lot of practice before the hunting season with those photos above. The whitetail was taken at a laser rangefinder verified of 190 yards. The cow elk was at a laser rangefinder verified of 348 yards. The tang peep sight & lots of practice allowed that to happen.
Cory
I did a lot of practice before the hunting season with those photos above. The whitetail was taken at a laser rangefinder verified of 190 yards. The cow elk was at a laser rangefinder verified of 348 yards. The tang peep sight & lots of practice allowed that to happen.
Cory
Ivan the Butcher
Member
I find that if your loads are Black Powder or Smokeless at BP velocities, the recoil is very reasonable in all the "standard" weight or round barrel rifles. It is when you go for "Marlin Only" loads with 400+ grain bullets that things start to get uncomfortable!
I forget how many grains of IMR 3031 my heavy duty loads is (maybe 30 to 35), but it is extremely accurate! I got the load from Lyman #45, it is an "accuracy" load. The bullets are .458 quenched wheel weights with gas check, they are round as opposed to flat nosed. As a test for a back rifle, I used a 6" bullseye pistol target at 50 yards. With the Guide Gun loaded 4 + 1. Fire aimed shots as fast as you can at the target. My group was 1.34 inches in about 2.3 seconds. I have a Scout type base with a 42mm, no magnifying red dot. I never got around to replacing the iron sights. (Thought a Lyman 17 medium height with a Williams receiver mount peep, but I'm not impressed with the funky red ramp/fiber optic front sight!)
I was at dad's farm trying my speed drill. it was August and I was in a T-shirt. I fired the 5 shots and liked what I saw. Then dad says Lets see that again. So I did. When I was done the tears were flowing down my cheeks, The bruises surfaced 3 days latter!
Ivan
I forget how many grains of IMR 3031 my heavy duty loads is (maybe 30 to 35), but it is extremely accurate! I got the load from Lyman #45, it is an "accuracy" load. The bullets are .458 quenched wheel weights with gas check, they are round as opposed to flat nosed. As a test for a back rifle, I used a 6" bullseye pistol target at 50 yards. With the Guide Gun loaded 4 + 1. Fire aimed shots as fast as you can at the target. My group was 1.34 inches in about 2.3 seconds. I have a Scout type base with a 42mm, no magnifying red dot. I never got around to replacing the iron sights. (Thought a Lyman 17 medium height with a Williams receiver mount peep, but I'm not impressed with the funky red ramp/fiber optic front sight!)
I was at dad's farm trying my speed drill. it was August and I was in a T-shirt. I fired the 5 shots and liked what I saw. Then dad says Lets see that again. So I did. When I was done the tears were flowing down my cheeks, The bruises surfaced 3 days latter!
Ivan
Scharfschuetzer
Member
Limited II
A fine choice! I also have an 1895 Limited II and find it to be a great shooter. It's still a bit light so I generally reload to the old Infantry 45/70 load of a 405 grain cast bullet at 1,300 fps.
For accuracy purposes, I installed a Lyman 66 aperture rear sight and a Model 17 front with the post insert. I've shot many groups with it that are 1 1/2 MOA.
A fine choice! I also have an 1895 Limited II and find it to be a great shooter. It's still a bit light so I generally reload to the old Infantry 45/70 load of a 405 grain cast bullet at 1,300 fps.
For accuracy purposes, I installed a Lyman 66 aperture rear sight and a Model 17 front with the post insert. I've shot many groups with it that are 1 1/2 MOA.
Attachments
Last edited:
OP
Well I can report that it does in fact go bang. I was shooting it back to back with a current production Winchester 1886. Interesting to compare the two. The 1886 weighs more & takes the recoil better even though it’s a crescent steel butt plate. I like the pistol grip on the 1895. I like the 1886 sights more. I prefer the action on the 1886 as it feeds smoother & ejects more positive.
I like this 1895, I’ll put a Skinner rear sight on it & have some custom work done on the action.
Cory
I like this 1895, I’ll put a Skinner rear sight on it & have some custom work done on the action.
Cory
I have an LTD III. Has 18" octagon barrel. With my 405 gr cast bullets it will stomp the shortening out of a biscuit. About 6 rounds and I'm done.
Similar threads
