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Lever action; which one? |
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Big Squeeze
Optics Master Extraordinaire GOOGLE NINJA Joined: August/30/2007 Location: Anaheim, Calif. Status: Offline Points: 3143 |
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Posted: July/23/2008 at 13:07 |
Ok you experienced lever boys.....Since I have never owned (but fired) lever rifles many times, I am going to branch out to include a lever action when hunting hogs and larger game.
Barrels of 20" or less, or the "Squeezer Special" rule must apply here, especially to me! I gotta maintain my rep around here!....
The choices are;
Marlin Guide Gun, 18.5" barrel, 45-70 (blued).
" " " " " " " (stainless).
Marlin Guide Gun. 18.5" barrel, 450 Marlin (blued only), N/A in stainless.
OR,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Browning BLR, 20" barrel (takedown), 450 Marlin w/straight grip; scout scope
" " " " " " w/ pistola grip; scout scope
The Brownings are the same 7 lbs. as the Marlins. Brownings are 40" in OAL, while the Marlin Guides are 37"........Tubular loading for the Marlins and detachable box loading for the Brownings........
Correct me if I`m wrong. For action strength, the bolt type action for the Browning BLR would have the advantage over the Marlin? Yes? No? Maybe so?
The BLR takedowns would have an advantage in storage and cleaning ease?
What concerned me was the takedown`s accuracy consistency. I did chat with a Browning factory rep, who explained to me that because of its takedown design, the BLR won`t lose any accuracy. He also reminded me that one always needs to re-zero any rifle at camp anyway, after which, don`t break the BLR down until after the hunt is over.... DAAAA! I shoulda thought of that one! ...........
What is better in your opinions, the Marlin`s tubular loading or the BLR`s detachable box loading?
Which lever action design is better?........For reliability? For smoothness?
Although I`m not a big wood stock fan, both have the wood..... Oh well!......But I will say that the BLR wood is certainly very purrrrdy!
The Marlins use a skimpier and harder recoil pad (must be changed), while the BLR`s use a much softer and nicer one (no change required).
The advantages go to which one and why?.........................Ok guys! Have at it!
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Dogger
Optics Jedi Master Joined: January/02/2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Status: Offline Points: 8921 |
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No experience with the Browning only with the Marlins & Winchesters 1895M in 450M , 18.5 " (straight stock), and 1895 in 45-70 in 22" (pistol grip)
M94 in 444, 17.75" barrel
None scoped.
- the Winchester to me carries the best, slimmer thru the receiver but kicks like a SOB when sighting it in shirt sleeves. If I handloaded would probably pick the 45-70 but I don't so 450 fills the bill if a want power loads for bruins - can't get Garrett or Buffalo Bore here.
Have not had feed issues with any of these, all are wood stocked and could benefit by switching to limbsavers. Recoil no issue on any when hunting in cool weather. They are all fun to play with and any would be potent for hogs, deer, moose at reasonable ranges.
Have not had experience yet with the Puma in 454. Will let you know if I ever get up to the camp to wring it out. Edited by Dogger - July/23/2008 at 13:47 |
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God save the Empire!
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Kickboxer
MODERATOR Moderator Joined: February/13/2008 Status: Offline Points: 23679 |
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Squeezer, are you going to reload? Hogs and deer hunting, or is there "bigger" game you want to test it against? |
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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.
There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living |
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Big Squeeze
Optics Master Extraordinaire GOOGLE NINJA Joined: August/30/2007 Location: Anaheim, Calif. Status: Offline Points: 3143 |
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Kickboxer
MODERATOR Moderator Joined: February/13/2008 Status: Offline Points: 23679 |
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Reloading, I would go with the Marlin. I am a BIG fan of the "most available ammo you can find" concept. 45-70 is much more "robust" than the .450 Marlin, which is very limited, in my opinion. The BLR is a really nice rifle, I have a friend who has one in .300Mag and I really like it, but even though the buttpad is better than the Marlin, I found it "less than optimum" for a Browning rilfe...probably still should replace it, at least I would. The Marlin is an all around great performer...pumps those rounds out consistently as fast as you can work the lever. Of course the Browning does too. Reliability is a toss up. I really like the box magazine, but can live without.
However, for an all around shooter, I think the Marlin is better in the .45cal range... if you run out of hand loads, you can pretty much find 45-70 ammo anywhere (even in Alabama).
Looks, I think, goes to Browning, convenience goes to Marlin.
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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.
There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living |
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Big Squeeze
Optics Master Extraordinaire GOOGLE NINJA Joined: August/30/2007 Location: Anaheim, Calif. Status: Offline Points: 3143 |
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Kickboxer
MODERATOR Moderator Joined: February/13/2008 Status: Offline Points: 23679 |
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You need to just buy both...
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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.
There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living |
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supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
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The Marlin's come with a really nice Decelerator pad on them already. I love my Marlin 45-70, very nice carry rifle.
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Dogger
Optics Jedi Master Joined: January/02/2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Status: Offline Points: 8921 |
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I prefer the look of the Marlin, although the Browning is a fine rifle. Not a fan of that hump at the rear of the receiver.
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God save the Empire!
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Tip69
Optics Master Extraordinaire Tip Stick Joined: September/27/2005 Location: Nebraska Status: Offline Points: 4155 |
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I like the box mag because it doesn't limit the type bullets you use! If it comes down to a tie in all other aspects, I'd go with the BLR....... but as my avatar suggests, I'm partial to Brownings
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take em!
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silver
Optics Master Joined: November/04/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2291 |
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Marlin 45/70 it's a classic.
http://www.wildwestguns.com Try that with a Browning...
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"If we weren't all crazy we, We would go insane." Jimmie Buffet
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Sgt. D
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: February/20/2008 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 4525 |
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I've always stuck with Marlin for my lever gun. Partly because I'd heard too many stories about Winchester hanging up when someone would throw a partial ratchet being in a hurry and then missing the oppertunity on whatever got them all stirred up. The Marlin seems to have enough spring assist in it's throw to help prevent a hang up. I know that the ones I've had have never miss fed or hung up. That being said If you have no problem paying a Ben or two more you will likely have the best rifle in the Browning. Especially since you are reloading. I believe Browning will give you a better barrel and as mentioned before the box mag will allow you to load any bullet you choose. A quick check at Gunbroker shows that the Marlins are running 400 to 950.00 and the BLR's are 600 to 995.00 Didn't see any 45/70's in the BLR right now. Look forward to seeing your choice.
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Take care of Soldiers, Show em how its done and do it with em, Run to the Fight & and hold your ground! I die my men go home! If you're a NCO and this ain't you. GET OUT! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
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RifleDude
MODERATOR EVIL OPPRESSOR Joined: October/13/2006 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 16337 |
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To my eyes, the Marlin looks more like a "classic" lever action rifle. However, the BLR has a stronger action due to the rotary front locking lug / recessed bolt face design. It is therefore capable of safely handling higher pressure rounds. I also like the selection of chamberings with the BLR better, and you don't have to concern yourself with a tubular magazine, so you can use any spitzer bullet you wish. I think the Browning's lever travel is smoother operating than the Marlin as well. I'd get the Browning if it were me.
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Ted
Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle. |
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Charlie-bolted
Optics GrassHopper Joined: February/26/2008 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 49 |
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YOu got a tough decision, 2 nice guns of course.
I like tip69, kickboxer and rifledude's comments. Buy both you know you'll want the other if you buy just one! but its easy for me to say... otherwise I'd be partial to the BLR, for bullet selection flexibility, no tubular magazine. But I wouldnt get a takedown model, it just bugs me to split a gun in half. The Marlin is just what a lever action should be, rugged good looks, balanced and a classic, etc but same with BLR.
Here's another to add to the list if your into them; Nice replica gun.. but have not heard much about these ..http://www.uberti.com/firearms/1873_rifle_and_carbine.php
Good luck and enjoy making the decision...
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some days we just get stuck and bogged down, Some days all u can do is smile and wait for someone to kindly remove your butt from the hole you find it wedged into.
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supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
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Those are all pistol caliber guns. Good for plinking and rabbit hunting but not for large dangerous game. |
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Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.
"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own." |
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martin3175
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/19/2005 Location: Maryland Status: Offline Points: 3773 |
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I like lever guns,,,,Always wanted a Browning BLR, but stuck with Marlins ( and a 94 ) just cause they fit me . I have 2 Marlin 1895's , both in 45/70. I sent the XLR to my gunsmith to cut'r done to 20 inches . I plan to send it out to Wild West guns and have their trigger kit installed once I get it back. The XLR also now wears a 4200 1.5-6 , which I really like the power range and fit.
On the blued 1895 , I did have a grind to fit Limbsaver installed, and it was a good move. I am gonna swop out the 2.5-8 Vari-X III on the blued 1895 and install a 1.5-6 4200 on it also.
I would go with the 45/70 over the 450 Marlin for the plethora ( good word-huh?) of ammo available . Mild to Wild-- or in between,, lots of stuff the pick from. Edited by martin3175 - July/23/2008 at 18:26 |
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Kickboxer
MODERATOR Moderator Joined: February/13/2008 Status: Offline Points: 23679 |
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The 45-70 option is the reason I would choose the Marlin over the BLR. I LOVE Browning rifles, but think they missed the boat by not offering the BLR in 45-70 (or 458 LOTT).
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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.
There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living |
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HuntMaster
Optics Master Joined: March/19/2007 Location: St Stephens,Al. Status: Offline Points: 1053 |
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Here's a new twist for you to consider: How about a Winchester model 88 chambered in .284 (my favorite), .308, or .243 . Even more beautiful but pricier - SAKO Finnwolf in .243 or .308 . - just a thought , and I promise you would LOVE the throw of the actions .
Derek
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Kickboxer
MODERATOR Moderator Joined: February/13/2008 Status: Offline Points: 23679 |
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Not nearly 'enough gun" for Big Squeeze. He wants a 16" lever action 20mm.
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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.
There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living |
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Pred6D 1CD
Optics GrassHopper Joined: February/09/2007 Status: Offline Points: 31 |
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The thing I hate about some of the newer BLR's is the aluminum receivers. I know that the older ones had the steel, and I know it adds more weight, but none that you would really notice. I am a Marlin man myself. Browning make fine weapons.
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