My 16 yr old is on Spring Break this week so he and I went to an old gun shop in midtown Memphis, TN Tues mornin who has a considerable selection of new big bore leverguns from Marlin, Winchester, Henry, Uberti, Cimmaron etc... He has wanted a stainless 45-70 since he decided that's the caliber he wanted several months ago. So here's what he picked out and brought home. A brand new 1895 STBL in 45-70. I wasn't previously that attracted to SS leverguns myself but the 6 shot mag, big loop and walnut stocks on this one really have me likin it as well.
They also had a new 1894 20" octagonal Cowboy 45LC (JM stamp to!) sitting right next to this STBL and MAN was I tempted to make a package deal. But I'm gonna wait for my own 45-70 after I see how his performs this fall. Grabbed a box of 300grn Rems to break it in with and a box of 325 Leverevos to sight in with for the fall. (He wants a SS 2.5x8x36 VariX-III atop it shortly)
I really checked this gun over before committing, danged if I could see any problems with fit/finish and functioning. Will see how it shoots this weekend. (DID see another 1895 with an obviously off centered magazine tube sitting on the shelf nearby! )
When he was 10 I bought him a Model 7 youth, 243. Now he's 16, stands 6'3" 235#s and wants a true "Swamp Hammer" for our riverbottom farm in west TN.
HL
ps
Proud he's gone the "traditional" route, since buying our place in the bottoms 2 yrs ago I've left the bolt action thunderboomers in the safe and dug out my grandads old 35 Marlin out for myself. Just LOVE these old Marlin's when most of our shootin is through cypress swamps inside of 200yds. My yougest son is still "modern" and has apprehended my 7600 7mm-08, but there's hope yet.
