Which one? Marlin 1895 sbl vs 1894 sbl

[cch2a]

So I have all my need guns out of the way and work guns complete, now moving on to guns I just want because I think they are cool. I want a 1895 sbl or 1894 sbl. Can't decide on caliber though. Kind of like the 1895 because I dont have anything close to a 45-70 but the 1894s would no doubt be easier to shoot for fun.  If I go 1894 should o go 44 or 357? Ammo cost is not a factor and I'm not invested in any of the calibers.  What is the opinion of the forum out of the 3 offerings? 

[KahrMan]

If you are going to do any hunting then go with the 1895 in 45-70. If only target shooting the 1894 will be easier on your shoulder. 
 

You really can’t go wrong with 1895. My 45-70

is my favorite lever gun. 

[Esko 270]

Kahrman knows his stuff for sure but, the 1894 357 with a can has become one of my favorites. I don't think you'll be going wrong whatever you do. 

[TomInMN]

Do you have any handguns in a caliber that you'd like a lever to keep company? The .44 mag would do for whitetails to about 100 yds...

[TripleGGG]

I'm a lever fanatic so my suggestion is both. I do love my 45-70 calibers. It's a great shooter. 

[MacGyver]

45-70 all the way.

.44 Mag is fun in a lever gun, too. 

[FUJIMO]

The only REAL right answer is all of them

But broken down by "want"

38/357 for plinking fun - minimum shoulder pain
44 if you plan on hunting with your plinker - average shoulder pain
45/70 if you plan on keeping plinking to a minimum or love shoulder pain, deep pockets ($plinking$) , or decide to take out the occasional mountain lion that tries to attack you while gardening.

It felt awful just trying to decide what to type about each one. I can't imagine the agony of not having them all

 

[tnhawk]

My first center fire level gun was a 44.  It was followed by a 357 and later a 45-70.  Each is fun to shoot.

[DaveTN]

It sounds like this will be a range toy?? I don’t own a 45-70, but I wouldn’t think shooting 50-100 rounds of it would be fun. Those who have one can chime in.

I would go with the 1894, but in 45 Colt instead of .44 mag. So that when you figure out that you want a cowboy gun, your revolver and rifle will be in cowboy calibers. The .357 Mag is my favorite handgun caliber, but since you aren’t concerned about caliber compatibility or cost; go bigger.

[Grunt67]

On my bucket list ( soon ), is a Henry model H010 carbine in 45/70. Like cch2a, it's more of a want to, than need to. Well, you all know how that is, LOL

[xtriggerman]

I have a non safety 1894 in 44 and originally bought it to retro it with a tapered light octagon barrel n crescent butt that I have. After target shooting it with 240 & 180 g factory loads, I couldn't bring myself to pull the original barrel off. There is some sort of mysterious magnetic effect going on with the fired bullet pulling the consecutively fired bullets in behind it in the target/back stops. Just cant figure out how non ferrous metal is doing that.....

[tnhawk]

8 hours ago, FUJIMO said:

…..45/70 if you plan on keeping plinking to a minimum or love shoulder pain, deep pockets ($plinking$) , or decide to take out the occasional mountain lion that tries to attack you while gardening.

The pain on the pocket is more of a problem then the shoulder pain.

 

 

[gregintenn]

8 hours ago, xtriggerman said:

I have a non safety 1894 in 44 and originally bought it to retro it with a tapered light octagon barrel n crescent butt that I have. After target shooting it with 240 & 180 g factory loads, I couldn't bring myself to pull the original barrel off. There is some sort of mysterious magnetic effect going on with the fired bullet pulling the consecutively fired bullets in behind it in the target/back stops. Just cant figure out how non ferrous metal is doing that.....

You wouldn’t even believe me I’d I told you how accurate mine is with factory Magtech ammo.

To the OP....my answer to your question is “both”.

[pop pop]

I have a Henry Big Boy with octagon and Brass, in 38/357 and it is my families favorite rifle/gun in my safe. The one I have is for plinking only. It fires both the 38 spl and 357 mag well. Some have problems with the 38, but the one I have has never failed with either caliber. Every time my kids come in they want to shoot the lever gun. My youngest daughter can shoot the fire out of it. I will give it to her when I am through with it.

I am with the buy both crowd, on your question C C. Then you will have the best of both worlds. 

[gregintenn]

Also, don’t overlook the 336. Every rifleman should have a 30-30 lever rifle. If you can find a nice old waffle top Marlin, a prize you’ll have.

Further, a 39a makes a great rimfire companion.

Edited February 27, 2020 by gregintenn

[frankmako]

1895 in 4570

1894 in 357 mag, 45lc, or 44 mag

336 in 30-30 or 35 rem

Edited February 29, 2020 by frankmako

[TripleGGG]

5 hours ago, frankmako said:

1895 in 4570

1894 in 357 mag, 45lc, or 45 mag

336 in 30-30 or 35 rem

I'm not a politician but I endorse this recommendation!