Description
I was in the backwoods of the Mark Twain National Forest last fall, tracking a big whitetail through thick timber. That’s when you appreciate a rifle that’s fast, powerful, and utterly reliable. You need a tool that feels like an extension of your will. That’s the Marlin 1895. It’s a classic American lever-action rifle chambered in the formidable 45-70 Government cartridge. This specific model features a 22-inch barrel, a genuine American Black Walnut stock, a deep blued finish, and a 4-round tubular magazine capacity. It’s a purpose-built hunting and woods rifle that balances tradition with modern manufacturing.
Look, the 45-70 Gov’t is a cartridge with serious history and even more serious punch. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of everything from mild cowboy loads to stout Buffalo Bore offerings through this rifle, and it handles them all with a solid, satisfying thump. The action on the new Ruger-made Marlins is slick right out of the box—no gunsmithing required to get it running smooth. The 22-inch barrel length is the sweet spot for the 45-70. It gives you a full sight radius for the excellent adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and keeps the rifle maneuverable in a blind or dense cover. At just over eight and a half pounds, it’s substantial enough to soak up recoil but never feels clumsy.
The American Black Walnut stock is where this rifle earns its keep. It’s not just a piece of wood; it’s a piece of American gunmaking heritage. The grain is rich, the finish is deep, and the fit to the metal is impeccable. Paired with the deep, traditional bluing on the receiver and barrel, it creates a look that’s both timeless and rugged. This is a rifle you’ll be proud to hand down. The side ejection is perfect for mounting a scope low and centered, and I’ve found it pairs beautifully with optics from Leupold or Vortex’s Scout-style scopes for a classic, fast-handling setup.
| Caliber | 45-70 Government |
| Barrel Length | 22 Inches |
| Overall Length | 40.5 Inches (Approx.) |
| Weight | 8.4 lbs (Approx.) |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 Rounds |
| Stock Material | American Black Walnut |
Let’s talk pros and cons. The pros are obvious: legendary stopping power, a fast and intuitive lever action, superb iron sights, and heirloom-grade fit and finish. It’s a rifle that inspires confidence. The con is the cartridge itself—recoil is stout with full-power loads, and ammunition is more expensive than common rifle rounds. That said, the rifle’s weight and solid buttpad do an admirable job of managing it. You’re also limited to four rounds in the tube, but in a hunting context, that’s rarely an issue. If you need more, you can carry spare ammo in a simple leather cartridge slide.
So who is this for? It’s for the Missouri hunter who pursues deer, bear, or feral hogs in thick cover where shots are close and a quick follow-up is critical. It’s for the shooter who values mechanical simplicity and timeless design over high-capacity magazines. It’s also for the collector who appreciates a modern iteration of a true American icon, now built with Ruger’s renowned quality control. At $2067.06, it’s an investment in a tool that will last generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this rifle handle modern, high-pressure 45-70 loads?
A: Absolutely. The new Ruger-manufactured Marlin 1895 action is built strong. It’s safe with any commercially available 45-70 ammunition, from mild to the hottest Buffalo Bore or Garrett loads. Always check your specific ammo’s specifications, but the rifle itself is more than capable.
Q: Is it difficult to mount a scope on this lever action?
A: Not at all. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base. A quality one-piece base from a company like Warne or Leupold mounts directly, allowing for a low-profile scope installation. The side-ejection design means spent brass clears without interfering with your optic.
Q: What’s the real-world effective range of the 45-70 in this rifle?
A: With its iron sights and the cartridge’s trajectory, it’s most effective inside 150 yards. That’s its classic woods-range sweet spot. With a good scout scope and practice, skilled shooters can stretch that further, but its true purpose is delivering massive energy at short to medium distances.
This Marlin 1895 is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. If you’re ready for a rifle with soul and serious capability, check it out on our site. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
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