Description
Let’s talk about the Marlin 1895 SBL Modern Lever Hunter MLH Custom Shop 45-70, 18″, Happy Trigger, Action Job, Stainless Steel, 6rd. This is a purpose-built, modernized lever-action rifle that’s been taken to the next level by the Marlin Custom Shop. It starts with the rugged, stainless-steel SBL platform and adds a tuned ‘Happy Trigger’ and a slick action job, making it a fast-handling, hard-hitting hunter ready for anything from Missouri whitetail to Alaskan brown bear. I’ve put a few boxes of Hornady LeverEvolution through one, and the difference the custom work makes is immediately tangible.
Key Features
- Custom Shop Enhanced: Not just a factory rifle. It’s received a professional trigger job (the ‘Happy Trigger’) and a full action smoothing for a buttery-smooth, reliable cycle.
- Stainless Steel & Cerakote: Built to handle the elements. The stainless-steel barrel and receiver resist corrosion, and the entire package is finished in a durable, matte gray Cerakote.
- Modern Lever Hunter (MLH) Platform: Features include a 6-round capacity, a large loop lever for gloved hands, and a threaded muzzle (with a thread protector) ready for a suppressor or brake.
- Optics-Ready Picatinny Rail: The receiver is drilled, tapped, and comes with a full-length Picatinny rail installed, making it drop-in ready for a wide range of optics from brands like Leupold, Vortex, or Sig Sauer.
- Comfortable, Durable Furniture: Ships with a laminated gray/black stock that’s both visually striking and incredibly stable in all weather conditions.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .45-70 Government |
| Barrel Length | 18 inches |
| Overall Length | 37 inches (approx.) |
| Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Finish | Stainless Steel with Gray Cerakote |
| Stock | Laminated Gray/Black |
Here’s the thing—this isn’t your grandpa’s saddle gun. The 18-inch barrel keeps it maneuverable in thick timber or from a blind, a critical feature when you’re tracking game through the Ozark backcountry. Weighing in at roughly 7.5 pounds, it carries easily but has enough heft to manage the substantial recoil of potent .45-70 loads. The price reflects the custom work, coming in at $2349.06 for a rifle that genuinely arrives ready to perform.
Who This Rifle Is For
This SBL is for the hunter who demands reliability and performance without compromise. It’s for the Missouri hunter pursuing big whitetail or feral hogs who wants a brush-busting cartridge in a modern, optics-ready package. It’s equally suited for someone planning a western or Alaskan adventure where a durable, powerful lever-action is the traditional and practical choice. If you appreciate the timelessness of a lever gun but want the slick, refined feel of a custom-tuned action, this is your rifle.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The Custom Shop trigger and action work are transformative, offering a clean break and a cycle that feels broken-in from round one. The stainless/Cerakote construction is nearly impervious to bad weather. The included Picatinny rail makes mounting a modern low-power variable optic or a red dot a five-minute task. It’s a classic design executed with modern manufacturing and custom fitting.
Cons: The .45-70 is not a cheap round to practice with extensively. The premium for the Custom Shop work is significant compared to a base 1895 model. While the large loop is great for gloves, some shooters with smaller hands might find it less intuitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is the ‘Happy Trigger’ and action job?
A: It’s a trigger and action enhancement performed by Marlin’s Custom Shop gunsmiths. They polish contact surfaces, tune the spring tensions, and smooth the entire cycling process. The result is a lighter, crisper trigger pull and a lever throw that’s significantly smoother and faster than a standard factory rifle.
Q: Is the muzzle threaded?
A: Yes, the 18-inch barrel is threaded 11/16″-24, and it comes with a protective thread cap. This allows you to directly attach a muzzle brake or a .46-caliber or larger suppressor, which can make shooting full-power .45-70 loads much more pleasant.
Q: Can I use traditional iron sights with this model?
A: The rifle comes with a fully adjustable, semi-buckhorn rear sight and a hooded front sight post. The Picatinny rail is removable, so you can easily revert to using the excellent factory irons if you prefer a more traditional setup for close-range work.
This Marlin 1895 SBL MLH Custom Shop rifle represents a specific and highly effective vision of the modern hunting lever action. It takes a proven, rugged platform and elevates it with professional-grade smoothing and tuning. The investment gets you a tool that requires no break-in period and inspires immediate confidence. It is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. If you’re ready for a lever gun that feels as refined as it is powerful, this one deserves your attention.
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