Marlin 1895/Nikon Pro Staff scope combo
 

Bought a Marlin 1895 in 45-70 and put a Nikon Pro Staff 3-9x40 with the BDC reticle on it. Took it out this weekend and was amazed at how accurate it is. I am using Hornady Leverevolution in the 325 gr. offerring. Once sighted in, I am consistantly shooting MOA groups with a lever gun. I am amazed, I was always told lever guns were not really accurated but this is proving that wrong.

Only complaint I have is that I need a big loop lever. I have big hands and the standard lever has some sharp edges and when the gun recoils, it is kinda painful on the fingers. ANy suggestions on where to get a big loop lever for a reasonable price?

Why don't you or have a gunsmith file down the sharp edges and re-blue the bare spots. I have an 1895 Marlin guide gun and I shoot the same ammo as you are and I also have big hands, take an extra large glove and I have never had a problem with the lever hurting me because of recoil. Perhaps you aren't gripping the stock hard enough or pulling it into your shoulder enough.

Brownells has some but are expensive.so does wild west gun.

http://www.wildwestguns.com/products...op-for-marlin/
http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts...prod16628.aspx

Brownells (and midway, and everybody else) are just selling WWG's product - hence the price is pretty universal everywhere.

Buy once, cry once. They're worth the cost, even just for a hunting rifle.

Get you a WWG "Happy Trigger" while you're at it. I suppose they're running ~$80 these days, but when I put mine in my rifles, they were the best $65ea I'd ever spent. The wolf spring kit and a reduced power (or simply 'bent' factory) trigger plunger spring will have that Marlin feeling like it was always meant to feel.

I have seen the WW Guns loop, and I guess I will have to bit the bullet so to speak and get it. Also like the trigger suggestions. I guess I will have to get it also. Thanks.

I have an 1895 guide gun in .45-70 and its my favorite rifle. A joy to carry and accurate - like you said. Not MOA accuracy like you've stated but plenty accurate for my purposes. I've killed 3 black bear here in PA with it with one shot each. I had a scope on mine too but removed it an put on a Williams FP peep sight. That's all I need and it keeps the weight down. I have a 1895 CB in .45-70 on the way as I type this. Love those guns. I was thinking of getting a big loop for mine also.

i have a 1895 big loop lever action & is my favorite gun just love it mine sports a leupold 1x4x20 & dead nuts accurate using either hornady 325 ftx which is the leverevolution & also the winchester super x 300 grain hollow point both are excellant bullets i favor the hornady's though one of the best investments i've made going to start reloading my own soon

JC - sent you a pm. please let me know if you would like to make an even swap for my big loop. (lever for lever) Reply to the PM so I can see it and not forget about this post. :)