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I have a late model stainless Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70. First, let me say that I am a handloader and bullet caster, and my choosing the 45-70 over the .450 was a matter of practicality. I can duplicate the ballistics of the .450 with cheap, readily available 45-70 brass. Who knows if the .450 will be around?
I was going to sell the rifle. Now, I\'m not so sure.
While sharpening knives at a local sporting goods shop, I get into discussions about rifles for plinking, hunting and survival. In the survival category, most people think \'defense'and look towards the \'black rifle.\'
I picked up the Marlin lately and saw it all. Power, speed, portability, cheap easy-to-replace parts, strength and the ability to kill just about any animal on earth. In fact, I don\'t believe \'just about,'it will kill anything. The top loads for the 45-70 are some of the bottom loads for the .458 Mag, and they fire the same .458 bullet. No question, five shots of 405 grain, chilled lino flat-points will easily put a charging lion on his back.
And maybe Custer had problems, but the 45-70 was the successful military calibre for about 25 years. It killed a lot of the enemy, and in a single shot to boot. If memory serves, there were even 45-70 carbines at the charge up San Juan Hill.
Do you consider this an \'assault weapon\'?
I think I do, for the following criteria.
Right now I have 500 cast flat-points and a lot of time. I\'m a good handloader and make pristine rounds. Suppose Betty came to you one day and said \"That insane biker has crossed the line and offended my honor, go get him!\" You ask if I am armed.
Betty replies, \"Yeah, he ran out into the old-growth with a few strips of beef jerky, a blanket, and a sharp knife--but then he only has that Marlin and a bandolier of cartridges.\"
Do you consider the 45-70 an \'assault weapon'at that point? I know my mind has changed, and I\'m keeping the Marlin.
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/bigBore_levrAction/1895GS.htm
edit: Have you seen \"Quigley Down Under\"?
I was going to sell the rifle. Now, I\'m not so sure.
While sharpening knives at a local sporting goods shop, I get into discussions about rifles for plinking, hunting and survival. In the survival category, most people think \'defense'and look towards the \'black rifle.\'
I picked up the Marlin lately and saw it all. Power, speed, portability, cheap easy-to-replace parts, strength and the ability to kill just about any animal on earth. In fact, I don\'t believe \'just about,'it will kill anything. The top loads for the 45-70 are some of the bottom loads for the .458 Mag, and they fire the same .458 bullet. No question, five shots of 405 grain, chilled lino flat-points will easily put a charging lion on his back.
And maybe Custer had problems, but the 45-70 was the successful military calibre for about 25 years. It killed a lot of the enemy, and in a single shot to boot. If memory serves, there were even 45-70 carbines at the charge up San Juan Hill.
Do you consider this an \'assault weapon\'?
I think I do, for the following criteria.
Right now I have 500 cast flat-points and a lot of time. I\'m a good handloader and make pristine rounds. Suppose Betty came to you one day and said \"That insane biker has crossed the line and offended my honor, go get him!\" You ask if I am armed.
Betty replies, \"Yeah, he ran out into the old-growth with a few strips of beef jerky, a blanket, and a sharp knife--but then he only has that Marlin and a bandolier of cartridges.\"
Do you consider the 45-70 an \'assault weapon'at that point? I know my mind has changed, and I\'m keeping the Marlin.
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/bigBore_levrAction/1895GS.htm
edit: Have you seen \"Quigley Down Under\"?