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We shot the 45-70 this afternoon. Zeroing shots were fired at 75yds using an old Weaver 1.5x4.5 variable scope. Ammo was the Remington jacketed 405 gr. The first two rounds were about 8in low at 5 o'clock and touching. Good sign. I walked the next 4 upwards into the sight-in diamond and then shot a nice little 1in triangle.
At 100yds I was low again and had to add elevation. Subsequent shots had 2 shots touching and the third off 1/2 to 1in for every group. Don't know what I was doing to screw up the group.
Moving to the 300gr Winchester jacketed HP's was interesting. They shot about 6in higher from the 405gr setting but still with good groups. Much more powerful load with greater shockwave.
As I drove to the range I was fully expecting tooth jarring recoil but was wrong. The 45-70 gives less recoil than my 1903 30-06 Springfield. That recoil pad helps a lot.
In summary, I was expecting the Marlin to perform like my Win Mod 1894 30-30 - mediocre accuracy - but was happy to find that the Marlin 1895 45-70 is an inherently accurate rifle and extremely easy to handle. Its 5 shot magazine is more than enough to handle any reasonable hunting situation and its power is sufficient for any hunting I'm likely to do.
It will never replace my FN 7x57 but I'll be hunting with it a lot. Probably will become one of my "rambling rifles". Its not for sale at any price.
If you haven't tried a Marlin 45-70 I urge you to do so if you have a chance. You'll really like it.
RIKA
At 100yds I was low again and had to add elevation. Subsequent shots had 2 shots touching and the third off 1/2 to 1in for every group. Don't know what I was doing to screw up the group.
Moving to the 300gr Winchester jacketed HP's was interesting. They shot about 6in higher from the 405gr setting but still with good groups. Much more powerful load with greater shockwave.
As I drove to the range I was fully expecting tooth jarring recoil but was wrong. The 45-70 gives less recoil than my 1903 30-06 Springfield. That recoil pad helps a lot.
In summary, I was expecting the Marlin to perform like my Win Mod 1894 30-30 - mediocre accuracy - but was happy to find that the Marlin 1895 45-70 is an inherently accurate rifle and extremely easy to handle. Its 5 shot magazine is more than enough to handle any reasonable hunting situation and its power is sufficient for any hunting I'm likely to do.
It will never replace my FN 7x57 but I'll be hunting with it a lot. Probably will become one of my "rambling rifles". Its not for sale at any price.
If you haven't tried a Marlin 45-70 I urge you to do so if you have a chance. You'll really like it.
RIKA
