guide gun

elkman · 02-04-2004, 03:53 PM

hey im looking into buying a lever action marlin "guide gun" in either 45-70, or 450. does anyone out there own one that would be willing to help me out, or know anything about them?

thanks a ton!

billc_sbio · 02-04-2004, 04:48 PM

Hehe, know there's a gunshop up in Anchorage that makes what you might consider the "Prototype" to this!

They still make their's, in fact it's a TAKEDOWN model w/muzzle brake holes (I think EDM'd) at the muzzle...comes in a nifty small Cordura carry pouch.

I think they call it their "Bush Pilot's Rifle"!

dla · 02-04-2004, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by elkman:
hey im looking into buying a lever action marlin "guide gun" in either 45-70, or 450. does anyone out there own one that would be willing to help me out, or know anything about them? thanks a ton!

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Sure, I own one. Best packing rifle I've ever had. Mine's stainless and 45-70. I don't recommend larding one with a scope - Williams WRGS peep with Firesight front bead is the best. I carry mine in a scabbard across my back which makes mountain biking much easier. I reload, and I've tried all sorts of different bullet weight/velocity combos. Any questions just holler :smile:

billc_sbio · 02-04-2004, 07:49 PM

Hehe, I went back and checked out the rifle I was referring to...

Go to your search engine and type in "Alaskan CoPilot Rifle"

Pretty interesting what you'll find about this rifle made by Wild West Guns as well as other ACCESSORIES made for similar Marlins!

elkman · 02-04-2004, 09:44 PM

thanks guys!
And dla, thanks a ton for the info

, any other info u would be willing to share would be amazingly cool! i figure it would be a great alaska/elk gun.

SLEDDER · 02-05-2004, 04:47 AM

I have a 45/70 Marlin, ported barrel. I am planning on using it on Moose in Northern Idaho. It definetly packs a wallop, 405 grn. bullet. Very good up close, within 150 yds.

dla · 02-05-2004, 06:45 AM

Elkman: Here's some tips if you reload: The best value jacketed bullet is the Remington 405gr JSP - plenty for Elk. The best brass is Remington Nickel Plated. The best primers WLR. The best powder Hodgdon's H322. The best velocity: somewhere between 1600 - 1800fps. If you want to shoot cast, either order your plain base, 3 lube groove, 16-18bhn bullets .460" diameter, or get them gaschecked. Don't bother with .458-459" stuff.

If you don't reload the best ammo deal is PMC's +p+ 350gr loading, which takes advantage of modern Marlin construction. Garret and Buffalo bore make high-end $50/20 ammo. Good stuff but expensive.

The 450 is strictly a reloading caliber as there is still only one ammo manufacturer with product on some shelves.

You'll probably appreciate a good recoil pad. Cabella's lace-up "kick-killer", size small, with and extra 1/2" of foam is a good solution if you don't want to find a smith to fit a pad. Make sure you get a Pachmayer Decelerator or Equiv as these little guns really hammer you with hot loads.

Don't get a ported gun unless you're already deaf.

alwyze fishin · 02-05-2004, 01:11 PM

also look in to the 444 version of the same gun as for a scope just make sure your not in a funking postion when you pull the trigger can you say ouch notched my glass off found them about 20 feet from the tree stand last year in idaho bear hunting. look at shooting hornady (sp) bullets a big dif.

elkman · 02-05-2004, 03:26 PM

thanks guys, ,this wil greatly help im the purchasing process! o and i love the quote bout the muzzle break...how true!

SLEDDER · 02-06-2004, 06:45 AM

My 45/70 has the muzzle brake, I am practically deaf already in my left ear. Too much fun in the military shooting 50's and auto's. :grin:

dla · 02-06-2004, 09:44 AM

SLEDDER: Have you ever shot one without the brake? I was wondering how much the brake helps with the rearward recoil.

SLEDDER · 02-06-2004, 10:25 AM

If I had a choice I would shoot the muzzle braked weapon. At the range wear ear plugs. In the field deal with the noise for the 1-2 shots, or get a Walkers game ear.

alwyze fishin · 02-06-2004, 12:29 PM

dla

I have the same gun in the 444 as sledder and if i had to do it over go for the muzzle brake they kick bad enough but being as short as they are they like to kick the barrel up without a scope not a bad thing but with one OUCH i know

[ 02-06-2004, 01:31 PM: Message edited by: alwyze fishin ]

billc_sbio · 02-08-2004, 06:40 PM

I'll second that...

Had a friend who bought one of the .444s.

Don't know why, but one of the most punishing rifles I've ever shot!

sunshinefisherman · 02-12-2004, 08:49 AM

I have owned two guide guns in 45-70. I traded in my blued version when the SS one came out. I use this gun when I'm walking through the woods. In this situation I need fast aquisition of the target. To this end I topped it with the nickle plated version of Wild West gun's ghost ring. It is shielded to protect it from damage in the field. They bundle this with a Williams "light pipe" sight and a skeletonized front hood. I found the Williams sight hard to locate so I replaced it with a Hi-Viz sight with interchangable pipes. This configuration works well in the low light under the canopy.
As to the 45-70 vs the 444, the 45-70 has plenty of power for and elk, deer or bear. I handload a 325 grain Remington hollow point at over 2000fps. There is a HUGE difference in commercial ammo in 45-70. Some are loaded lightly for the older trapdoor rifles. I think that Remington's ammo is wimpy. In my opinion, Federal's 45-70 is much better. Get one with the factory barrel porting, it's important.
This rifle KICKS BUTT and will make your hunting buddies jealous.