NRA Con: Drool-worthy Lever Gun

Posted on May 16, 2009 in Phoenix

Marlin has managed to take it’s tried and true Guide Gun, the .45-70 Government lever action rifle that instantly found a niche and a following upon release, and make it better.

Meet the 1895SBL.

Among other things, they have:

• Added two rounds of capacity via the full length magazine tube, bringing the total capacity to 6 rounds.
• Added XS (Ashley Outdoor) ghost ring sights in place of the semi-buckhorn.
• Replaced the standard lever loop with a big loop, more suitable to gloves and people with sausage fingers.
• Added a full-length scout mount, which allows a scope to be mounted traditionally, over the action, or forward of the action in the “scout” configuration.

Additionally, I’ve grown quite fond of the stainless steel and laminate furniture look.

The only one thing that I would have liked to see is the addition of porting, which reduced the kick of the .45-70 to that of a 12ga in the Guide Gun I’ve played with, courtesy of Haji.  However, porting can be taken care of relatively easily in the custom market.  It would be nice, but also add to the price.

It seems that the new Marlin nearly fits the mold of the Wild West Guns Co-Pilot in most aspects, except of course its not a takedown model.  If it was…oh, that would be sweet.

Regardless, add this one to the “Yes, I’ll take two” list.  I need to win the lotto.