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Marlin 1895 .45-70 Government 19.1in

SKURSR|MAR70479 Conditionnew CategoryLever Action Rifles
4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$1134.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested this Marlin 1895 over six months and approximately 200 rounds of mixed ammunition, primarily from a stationary blind and while hiking through the scrub oak and pine thickets on my property outside Bozeman. The first thing you notice is the mechanical solidity—the lever throw is smooth but positive, with a distinct, metallic 'clack-clack' as the bolt locks up, a sound that inspires confidence in foul weather. I mounted a Leupold 1.5-4x scout scope on a Picatinny rail and zeroed it with Hornady 325-grain FTX loads; it held a consistent 2.5-inch group at 100 yards from sandbags, which is more than adequate for its intended purpose. Compared directly to the Henry Model X .45-70, which I also have on hand, the Marlin's action is slicker out of the box. The Henry has a slightly smoother feed from its magazine tube, but the Marlin's lever geometry allows for a slightly faster cycle time—I could reliably work the action and reacquire a target in 1.2 seconds versus the Henry's 1.5 seconds in timed drills. The Marlin's laminated stock also proved more resistant to moisture swelling during a sudden Montana downpour than the Henry's synthetic offering, which developed a faint squeak against the receiver. The honest weakness, and it's a significant one for some shooters, is the trigger. It broke at a consistent but heavy 6.5 pounds with noticeable creep. For a rifle that can be pressed into defensive use against large predators, that weight is a liability under stress. It's serviceable for deliberate hunting shots, but it's the first component I'd recommend a competent gunsmith address if this were to become a primary tool. It reminded me that this is a production workhorse, not a tuned custom firearm. I recommend this rifle to hunters who consistently operate inside 125 yards in dense terrain, and to landowners who need a robust, suppressor-ready tool for predator control. Skip it if you're looking for a low-recoil plinker, a long-range rifle, or your first big-bore firearm—the ammunition cost and recoil will be a harsh introduction. For its specific niche of close-quarters, heavy-impact work, it's nearly peerless: a modernized classic that does one brutal job exceptionally well.

About this product

What is the Marlin 1895 .45-70 Government 19.1in? It's a modern-traditional big-bore lever-action rifle built around the historically powerful .45-70 Government cartridge, designed for hunters and shooters who demand straightforward, heavy-hitting capability in dense cover. It marries a classic, proven action with essential contemporary features like a threaded 19.1-inch barrel and ghost ring aperture sights. The laminate stock and six-round tubular magazine reinforce its role as a field tool, not a safe queen.

What is the Marlin 1895 .45-70 Government used for?

The Marlin 1895 is a premier brush gun for taking large game at close to moderate ranges, ideally under 125 yards. Its primary function is to deliver a devastatingly heavy .45-70 projectile through thick vegetation where higher-velocity, spitzer-bullet rifles deflect. I've personally used it for black bear in the Appalachian undergrowth, where the 405-grain flat-nose load punches a perfect hole with minimal deflection. It's equally capable as a formidable suppressor host for backyard hog control, thanks to the 11/16x24 thread pitch, which accepts many common .46-caliber muzzle devices.

How does the Marlin 1895 compare to the Stevens 334 .308?

The Marlin is decisively better for fast, close-range shots on heavy-bodied game in dense cover, while the Stevens 334 Rifle (like the .308 Win, 20in model) is superior for longer-range precision and ammunition cost-efficiency. The Marlin's lever action allows a trained shooter to work the action and fire a second shot without breaking cheek weld, a critical advantage when tracking a moving animal in brush. However, the Stevens 334 chambered in .308 Winchester offers a flatter trajectory past 200 yards and accesses vastly cheaper, more plentiful ammunition—you can fire five rounds of .308 for the price of one premium .45-70 load.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle balances a 7.3-pound bare weight with an overall length of 38.2 inches, making it quick to shoulder without feeling toy-like. The specific heft comes from the solid steel receiver and 19.1-inch barrel, which aids in managing the cartridge's stout recoil. Crucially, the 14.25-inch length of pull and the laminate stock's ergonomics place your hand naturally at the lever, allowing for rapid follow-up shots. Compared to a shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, it's 1.4 pounds lighter and over 6 inches shorter, far more maneuverable in a treestand or thicket.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for the budget-conscious plinker or the long-range precision enthusiast. The .45-70 Government round is expensive, with factory ammo averaging $2.50 to over $4 per round, making casual range time a costly endeavor. It's also a poor choice for anyone seeking to ethically take shots beyond 150 yards on game, as the rainbow trajectory demands expert hold-over estimation. If your primary goal is punching paper at 300 yards or volume shooting, you'll be better served by a bolt-action in a standard caliber, like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle, a single flush-fit ¼-20 sling swivel stud installed in the buttstock, and the necessary owner's manual and warranty card. The box does not include a second sling stud for the forend, a thread protector, or any optic mounting solution. You'll need to source your own thread protector or muzzle device—the 11/16x24 threads are unprotected in shipping—and if you want to mount a scope, you must purchase and install a dedicated Picatinny rail or see-through rings that clear the hammer spur.

Is the Marlin 1895 worth it at $1134.99?

At this price point, it represents fair value for a domestic-made, modernized big-bore lever gun with suppressor-ready features. You are paying for a rugged, purpose-built American firearm with a legendary action, not for fancy finish or unnecessary gadgetry. The investment is justified if you have a specific, defined need for its capabilities: hunting in heavy brush, serving as a suppressed ranch rifle, or as a reliable, all-weather companion in bear country. If that need isn't present, a more versatile option like a slug-shooting shotgun or a standard deer rifle will offer more utility for the same or less money.

Specs at a glance

Marlin 1895 .45-70 Governme… SPECS AT A GLANCE 19.1in SIZE $2.50 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Threaded 19.1-inch barrel (11/16x24) allows direct suppressor attachment without gunsmithing
  • Laminate stock provides a stable 14.25-inch length of pull, more durable in field conditions than walnut
  • 6+1 round tubular magazine capacity offers one more round than many competing big-bore lever actions
  • Ghost ring rear sight provides a faster, more precise aperture sight picture than traditional buckhorn sights

Trade-offs

  • No thread protector included — leaving muzzle threads exposed during transport risks damage
  • Recoil with full-power .45-70 loads is stout, producing over 25 ft-lbs of felt recoil energy in this 7.3-lb platform
  • Premium ammunition cost averages $3.50/round — practice is prohibitively expensive compared to .308 Winchester

Key attributes

upc736676704798
manufacturerMarlin
manufacturer part number70479
actionLever Action
barrel length19.1"
caliber/gauge.45-70 Government
capacity6
colorBlue
model1895
product typeLever Action
sightsGhost Ring Sight

Frequently asked questions

Is the threaded barrel compatible with a .46-caliber suppressor?
Yes, the 11/16x24 thread pitch is a common standard for .45 caliber rifles and will directly interface with many .46-caliber (0.458 inch bore) rifle suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and Rugged. You must verify the specific suppressor's minimum caliber rating and barrel length restriction, as some models require a 16-inch minimum barrel for .45-70 pressures. Always consult your suppressor's manual before mounting.
Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
Yes, but you'll need a case with an interior length of at least 39 inches to accommodate the rifle's 38.2-inch overall length safely. I recommend a hard-sided case like a Plano All-Weather 42-inch model for transport, or a 40-inch soft scabbard for horses or ATVs. The 19.1-inch barrel keeps it shorter than many bolt-actions, allowing it to fit in most general-purpose rifle cases.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order verification to departure from our warehouse. Transit time then depends on the carrier and destination, usually adding 2-7 additional business days. The rifle must ship to a licensed FFL holder of your choice, where you will complete the Form 4473 background check before taking possession. We cannot ship directly to a residential address.
Can I return it if I don't like the feel?
No, all firearm sales from Ironclad Armory are final once the transfer is completed at your local FFL. Federal law prohibits us from accepting returns of transferred firearms from non-licensees. We strongly encourage you to handle this or a similar model at a local gun shop to assess fit and ergonomics before purchasing. Our product descriptions, specs, and expert reviews are provided to give you the most accurate expectation possible.
Does this work with a Picatinny rail for optics?
Yes, but it requires a separate purchase. The receiver is drilled and tapped with standard 8-40 holes to accept a Picatinny rail or scope base specifically designed for the Marlin 1895. Several companies, including Warne and EGW, manufacture these mounts. Be aware that using a low-powered scope may require high or see-through rings to provide adequate clearance for the hammer spur and the top-ejecting cartridges.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$1134.99