Well it finally happened. Acquired a Marlin 1895 45-70. Got it as a bonus from work I did in Wyoming last year. Got it home, mounted a scope, bore sighted it then headed to range. I have shot a TC pistol in 45-70 and thought it wasn't too bad. I really do believe that this gun is very closely related to a full grown mule. It will be requiring me to get my reloading equipment set up and reload a few lighter loads to shoot with. I am very pleased with the rifle and it's accuracy, I started out zeroing it to shoot 1 1/2 inches high at 25 and after I get over my round with Bronchitis will go back to the range and try some longer distances. I've wanted one since high school but never found one at the right time. Now I need to find a hog to try it on.

What ammo are you shooting? Standard 405 grain shouldn’t kick that bad.

X2. The 405 cowboy actions are a pure pleasure to shoot and will flatten anything in Texas inside 100 yards. Hornady makes the leverevolution for them. Great hunting bullet for extended range. Not as pleasant.

Congrats on your acquisition!

As you'll quickly discover, the .45-70 is fairly flexible and lighter bullet loads are usually more pleasant for extended shooting sessions. I picked up an 1895 Cowboy back in 2001 and carried it to Zimbabwe in 2002 for a leopard hunt with dogs...the results are pictured below. For an old dog, the .45-70 still hunts very well!

Mark

And the Remington jacketed loads or the lead Cowboy Action loads will still punch a big hole through any deer or hog.

I have a couple Marlin 1895s one I put a Decelerator on which makes it not bad to shot, The other had the name Thumper when I got it. 1 o 1000 20 inch barreled Cowboy action with full octagon barrel and straight grip.

Congrats on a fine rifle

Great caliber to hunt with. I’ve got the Marlin 1895 SBL and really enjoy shooting it. I load my own using the Barnes 300 grain TSX FN FB. I’ve taken coyotes, hogs, whitetail and 2 black bear with that round. No tracking required. You’ll have fun with that rifle.