ORIGINAL: tykempster
Also, I've been thinking about getting a Marlin 45-70 as a woods rifle for all species, deer, and everything else I ever get to hunt. This would be a mostly close range gun but some shots may reach a little bit past 100 yards. Is there any reason to get the longer barrel version instead of the guide gun with the short barrel? I really like the compactness and light weight but how much trajectory and velocity will I lose and how much recoil and muzzle blast would I gain? Everyone I know thinks a 45-70 is WAY too much for a 14 year old, but for my 15th burthday my dad said we could split the cost 50-50 if I really want it. Thanks for any replies and help!
My .45/70 is a Ruger No. 1S and it is light and handy. I think that's important for a gun that will be used in thick stuff at short to medium (150 yards) range. So if you are a lever-action fancier, get the shortest, lightest one you can find. A long barrel is of little advantage in a caliber like .45/70, where the powder charge will be consumed in 18" or less.
Comparing the Marlin to the No.1, if you are determined to use the HOTTEST load you can cook up in both, the No. 1 will beat the Marlin by about 200 FPS if you use 400-grain bullets in both. I have a load for my Ruger that gives 2270 FPS at 10' from the muzzle using the Barnes 400-grain semi-spitzer. This load carries over 4000 FT/LB of energy at the muzzle and also hit me with 57 FT/LB of recoil. It ain't no fun zeroing this load in! But I would only use it for big bears at close ranges!!