Lever rifle question

[Alibiiv]

I guess that's what I was wondering. The 44 is going to be shorter faster cycling?

You are talking two different cartridges that are totally different in muzzle velocity and muzzle energy. I have both a .44 magnum and a 45-70, both Marlins. I cannot really tell the difference between the two as far as faster cycling. At least under normal hunting conditions. If I were looking to run a race, then I would say the .44 magnum is quicker; but...not enough to matter under normal hunting conditions.

 

[Alibiiv]

The Marlin 1894 action, for handgun calibers, is a different design than the Narlin 336/1895 action for .30‐30, .45‐70, and other rifle calibers. The 336 is a stronger action where the bolt locks up in the front, while the 1894 actions have a rear 'crossbolt' that rises to intercept cuts in and lock the breechbolt.

The 1894 is a shorter action and is better suited for short cartridges. Forgetting the strength of the action, it would be impossible to have these actions feed .45‐70 or .30‐30 loaded cartridges... the action is too short.

Steel costs money, and firearms designers won't waste it. When Winchester redesigned the Model 70 in the early 1960s they went from an '06-length action that would feed .308-length cartridges and that could be modified to feed .375 H&H cartridges to two action lengths: short for .308 and .223‐length cartridges, and magnum for '06 and full-length magnum cartridges. The short actions were more popular and saved steel, the longer actions didn't need special machining for full-length magnums. Plus, the switch away from the Mauser-like CRF extractor simplified machiningvand assembly.

If you want a .45‐70 lever action, the Marlin 1895 is the correct choice. I you have any 1794 and want to switch calibers, trading it in on an 1895 is the only viable choice.

There was a run of Marlin 336s that came in .44 magnum. It was the same 336 receiver, a different carrier and a different ejector. The ejector was a regular 336 ejector, however it had a step about a 1/2 inch in from the tip of the ejector. I once had one and really kick myself for ever selling it. I know they are still around, nothing special only a unique rifle.

 

[CMP70306]

i just bought a chiappa 1886 16.5" 45-70. according to their site info this ways 8.8#o_O..........that's fairly heavy for a 16.5". next week i'll find out how it feels.View attachment 713593

View attachment 713594

I have the case hardened and walnut version, on the scale it's 8# 9 oz bare and 9# 10oz with a SilencerCo Hybrid on it.

 

[Mrvmax]

If you need something between 44 mag and 45-70 you could pick up one in 454 Casull.

 

[wvbearhunter]

Here is a 300gr XTP from a 20" 45 colt. This is a Paco Kelly load so is a little spicey. Thats from 125 yards. Velocity was just over 1500fps at the muzzle. Its a fearsome black bear/deer killer and turns a coyote into pink mist.