MARLIN 1895 DS 45-70 16.17″ TB 5RD
Pros & cons
What works
- Threaded 16.17-inch barrel accepts suppressors without gunsmithing
- Weighs 7.3 pounds—1.2 pounds lighter than Henry All-Weather .45-70
- M-LOK handguard provides 18 attachment points for accessories
- 5-round capacity balances firepower with compact profile
Trade-offs
- No iron sights included—requires $80-150 optic or sight purchase
- Polymer stock flexes slightly under heavy accessory loads
- .45-70 ammunition costs $2.50-4.00 per round for quality hunting loads
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Marlin 1895 DS 45-70 16.17″ TB 5RD is a Ruger-manufactured lever-action rifle chambered in .45-70 Govt, featuring a 16.17-inch threaded barrel, 5-round capacity, and Dark Series tactical upgrades including M-LOK slots and QD sockets. This represents the first Marlin production under Ruger ownership, combining classic lever-action reliability with modern tactical functionality. Chambered for the powerful .45-70 Government cartridge, this rifle bridges historical design with contemporary accessory compatibility.
What is the Marlin 1895 DS 45-70 used for?
The Marlin 1895 DS serves as a versatile hunting and defensive rifle capable of handling large game and tactical scenarios. With its 16.17-inch threaded barrel, it accepts suppressors for reduced noise signature while maintaining the .45-70's substantial stopping power. The M-LOK handguard accommodates lights and lasers, making it suitable for low-light hunting or property defense applications where immediate threat identification is critical.
How does the Marlin 1895 DS compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Marlin 1895 DS delivers significantly more energy per shot than the Stevens 334 in .308 Win but with slower follow-up shots due to its lever-action mechanism. While the Stevens 334 achieves approximately 2,800 fps muzzle velocity with 150-grain projectiles, the .45-70 generates over 3,000 ft-lbs of energy with 405-grain loads, making it superior for stopping large, dangerous game at close ranges under 150 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.3 pounds unloaded and measures 36.5 inches overall length with its 16.17-inch barrel. The polymer stock contributes to weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity, and the 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters without adjustment. The threaded barrel adds 0.6 inches to the forward profile but enables suppressor mounting without compromising the iron sight sight picture.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil, as the .45-70 Government generates approximately 25 ft-lbs of recoil energy in standard loads. The lever-action operation requires practiced manipulation for rapid follow-up shots, making it less ideal for competitive shooting scenarios where semi-automatic platforms dominate. Budget-conscious buyers seeking high-volume shooting should consider the lower ammunition costs of platforms like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win.
What's in the box?
The package includes the rifle with installed cheek riser, one 5-round tubular magazine, and owner's manual covering Ruger's warranty and maintenance procedures. Unlike some competitors, it does not include iron sights—the receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for optic mounting but requires separate purchase of either a scope base or ghost ring sight system. The flush cup sockets accommodate QD sling swivels, which must be purchased separately.
Is the Marlin 1895 DS worth it at $1188.99?
At $1188.99, this rifle justifies its price through Ruger's manufacturing quality and the Dark Series feature set that would cost $300-400 to add to a standard lever-action. The threaded barrel alone represents a $200 value aftermarket, while the M-LOK handguard provides $150 worth of mounting capability. For shooters needing a suppressor-ready .45-70 with modern ergonomics, this pricing aligns with the enhanced functionality over base model lever-actions.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676709014 |
| manufacturer | Marlin |
| manufacturer part number | 70901 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.17" |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 44.7500 |
| model | 1895 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Ghost Ring Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .45-70 ammunition?
- Yes, it handles all SAAMI-spec .45-70 Government ammunition including +P loads from Buffalo Bore and Underwood. Maximum recommended pressure is 28,000 PSI for modern smokeless loads, though black powder cartridges function reliably with proper cleaning. Avoid ammunition exceeding 2.55 inches overall length to ensure reliable cycling.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, it fits most 38-inch rifle cases with room to spare. The overall length of 36.5 inches allows transportation in compact cases designed for AR-pattern rifles. For maximum protection during travel, consider a case with at least 2 inches of foam padding to protect the threaded crown and M-LOK slots.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Shipping typically requires 3-5 business days after order processing to most FFL holders in the continental US. Orders placed before 2 PM EST usually ship same-day if inventory is confirmed, with signature required upon delivery. Alaska and Hawaii shipments may require 7-10 business days due to additional regulatory checks.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for mechanical issues, though the firearm must be inspected by an FFL before return shipping. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse may incur a 15% restocking fee unless reported within 48 hours of receipt. All returns require original packaging and documentation for full refund processing.
- Does this work with SilencerCo Hybrid 46 suppressor?
- Yes, the 5/8x24 threaded muzzle accommodates the SilencerCo Hybrid 46 and most .45 caliber suppressors. The 16.17-inch barrel length keeps the overall system under 34 inches when suppressed, maintaining maneuverability. Ensure your suppressor rating includes .45-70 pressure levels—most modern .45 cans handle up to 50,000 PSI safely.