Posted on 11/28/2018 5:02:00 AM PST by w1n1
The stylish Henry Octagon in .45-70 Government is a hardworking short-range rifle with a quick and smooth action.
For a cartridge introduced in 1873, the .45-70 Government has enjoyed some serious staying power. The same may be said of lever-action rifles that date back a decade further. The combination of the two, first made in 1881, logically joined two good things into something perennially popular.
Today, several companies make such rifles. Henry offers three models, with the Octagon being the most visually striking of the lot. The fit of the metal and wood is tight, and the finish is even and well applied. A 22-inch blued octagonal barrel is installed on a brass receiver, with brass buttplate on a straight-grip stock of quality walnut completing the first impression. Weighing in at about 8 pounds, the rifle feels substantial without appearing heavy. For field carry, it comes with sling swivel studs already installed.
The magazine tube holds four cartridges and loads from a port underneath, the same as Henrys rimfire rifles. While slower than gate loading, this approach is easier on the shooters fingers and doesnt damage soft bullet points. And, considering the power of the .45-70 cartridge, 4+1 capacity is generally sufficient. Read the rest of this .45-70 Rifle.
Its time for Mr Anthony Imperato to install the Kings Improvement device to all his tubular magazine lever rifles except the actual Henry clone and the .22 rim fires. Otherwise I find Henry rifles excellent strong rifles.
I like their new box magazine lever rifles a lot.
PS back in the 90s a friend bought a Uberti Henry clone. While dropping.45 colt rounds down into the magazine from a high angle one went off. It blew the tube right off the gun and how nobody got injured was pure luck. Always load these on a gentle slope.
I have one of the older Marlins in this caliber I use to deer hunt with in heavy brush country where a 100 yard shot is about it. Most are a lot less.
It’s bad to the bone....no pun intended. I have yet to have a deer go less than 10 yards after being hit by it. Most of em just drop right there in their tracks.
Anyone know if the Remington quality control and manufacturing of Marlins 1895 Guide Guns have got better .... ?
Don’t own a Henry - yet, but I do own a .45-70; my favorite Eastern deer rifle. I’m amused by people who hunt with a .243 or some similar caliber who think a .45-70 is either too much gun or inadequate for deer. I’ve shot a number of whitetails with my 1895G at ranges from 40 yards out to almost 200 (it’s a very accurate rifle, by the way) and not one has taken a step after getting hit. Better yet, trauma is almost nonexistent with the .45-70.
THANKS
So Oleg writes for ‘Am Shooting Journal’ now. Yeah, I believe that.
Its only short range if you dont understand trajectory
No, all reports are that it got worse despite Remington publicly claiming otherwise.
Oleg is a freelancer. His articles have turned up in interesting places around the internet and firearms world.
I have 2 trap door 1878 Springfields I got from my Dad. He got them from a Hollywood studio for $4.50 each back in the late 1940s. Plus an Ideal Handloader. A Marlin 1895 added to the collection. A fun cartridge to shoot.
https://www.marlinowners.com/forum/marlin-rant-forum/573725-marlin-real-truth.html
From a Marlin engineer that was there during the buyout.
“I have yet to have a deer go less than 10 yards after being hit by it”
I would hope so! Think of a 405 grain piece of lead going as fast or faster than a .22 long rifle.
“Anyone know if the Remington quality control and manufacturing of Marlins 1895 Guide Guns have got better .... ?”
I don’t know but I have a pre-Rem Guide Gun that is magnificently stocked and built like a Rolex.
A cautionary tale.
I really wish the new Winchester versions didn't have that damned tang safety.
Modern AR interpretation of the .45-70 can be viewed as the .50 Beowulf. Ballistics are nearly identical. Just saying for those that want an AR upgrade without buying a whole new rifle.
A Beowulf upper will set you back a good $800 to $1K. A solid lever action .45-70 can run in the $600 range. And Beowulf ammo is more expensive as well. So going with the Beowulf is not the best option. I view it as a more expensive option/upgrade to the AR.
Funny these never seem to surprise anyone except the "smartest kids in the room."
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