I just picked up a WWG Alaskan Guide take-down rifle in 457 WWG. Cool little rifle; 16" barrel, large loop, stainless metalwork, laminated stock, WWG trigger and ejector, and a Leupold EER Scout scope. The 457 is their proprietary round, a longer-case 45-70 that handles a 350gr bullet at 2,200 fps, as well as the 45-70 ammo in all configurations. It breaks down into about an 18" little pack that easily fits into a Cessna or a backpack for hunts out of remote camps. Does anyone shoot 457 WWG ammunition? I may just shoot regular Garrett or Buffalo Bore 45-70 loads.

I seen that one and was tempted but I already have several short powerful custom leverguns. I have one using the 50 Alaskan brass necked down to 45 cal (450GNR) which is a good bit more that the WWG 457. I can push a 400gr at about 2100+. I was awaiting something different that I don't already have an example of. That WWG take-down you got is quite nice if I must say so myself and you probably will be quite content with the Garrett ammo...it's fast, accurate, high quality and tough on game. That little gun is going to be a heck of a kicker too with hot/heavy ammo...but you can handle it

I've had a couple WWGs, but never a take-down and all have been in 45-70....not that there's anything wrong with that with today's custom loads. After a couple weeks in Alaska recently, i can can see the value of a short, powerful little repeater that carries and packs easily.

Biebs

A WWG457 [that also shoots45/70], THAT IS A TAKE DOWN, has got to be one handy, slick Hunting rifle.

A take down gun, IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRAVEL.

Garrett and Buffalo Bore 45/70 ammo is excellent.

I've always been intrigued by take down, big bore, lever guns. I'd love to see some pictures when you get a moment, Biebs.

Great idea to have so much power in such a compact package. Can't see that you are giving up much in the way of performance with hot 45/70 loads, especially out of a 16" barrel. I want one.

It should be here by early next week. I'll place an order for some full-house 457 in the meantime. Pix to follow! :-)

Let us know how it works out.

Ordered the ammunition; a 350gr Swift A-Frame at 2,200 fps. Should do the trick.

Can't get much better than that load. Should be able to take down just about anything short of the thick skinned DG with that combo.

I'll load some 450 or 500gr once I build up enough brass.

How is she, Biebs?? Get some pics and range report yet?

Here's my little monster. I'm still waiting for the WWG 457 ammunition...I guess they're between production runs at the moment. I ordered some 45-70 magnum-type loads yesterday. I plan to take it with me on my September 10th Moose hunt with Phil Shoemaker in Alaska, as my back-up rifle. If a Moose gets close, I'd like to field test a 540gr Garrett Hammerhead!

That is flat out fantastic looking. 540's out of a 16" barrel just about make me flinch typing! The blast from that muzzle must be something else! I'm yet to shoot anything other than the leverEvolutions out of my guide gun, might have to order some big boys to try!

The results of those 540's against a large moose at short range must be just shy of epic!

Randy Garrett took them to Africa when they were first developed, and could put them length-wise through a Cape Buffalo.

Nice looking rifle. Randy makes great 44 Mag and 45/70 ammo.

Looks awfully attractive. I have been following threads about these Marlins for the past year or so on various forums and those who have them like them very much.

Some say they are much improved by the work done by WWG. How did you end up finding this one?

Norm, I got this one from a high-end shop that knows I'm a sucker for any big bore rifle they come across :-)

Yes, WWG has some great improvements to the basic Marlin, such as the extractor, large loop, sights, trigger, and others, which improve the rifle's shootability and reliability. I've owned several WWG rifles.

I like my 50! Not as accurate as my 45-70 but it is a real hammer!

Yes, if I find a 50 caliber, this one is gone! I may just go ahead and order one anyway :-)

Great Looking Rifle, Look foward to hearing the range report

While the dachshund bull does give a good sense of scale, that certainly is an unusual mount. Did it make book?

Seriously, that is a nice looking rifle. Who made that stock? I've got a 16" 50AK (non-takedown) that is an awesome small package gun and would love one of those.

Drop a line when you're up north and we'll shoot.

Bob

Biebs

I would prefer your rifle to anything in 50 cal.

Since your rifle shoots 45/70 ammo, that is a big plus, as there are lots of places you can find some sort of 45/70 ammo...

Bob, WWG has synthetic stocks for the Marlin rifles as well. I believe this one started as a stainless laminated gun, but not sure. I like the looks of the gray laminate with the stainless metalwork.

Tony, you're probably right. The ability to also handle 45-70 in all its iterations from the 405gr slow load made for Trapdoor Springfields up to the Garrett and Buffalo Bore ammo is a plus; adds versatility to the rifle.

A friend of mine bought one of these at the DSC show 2 years ago. It is chambered in 50 Alaskan. I own big bores in 450NE, 500NE, 577NE, and an 8-bore that shoots 1000gr slugs. That 50 Alaskan is a kicking somebitch in this little lever gun. It will clear your sinus of any congestion. I think the 45/70 is a much more sane choice for this light rifle.
They are super nice guns, and takedowns are just cool!!!
ND

You are correct Biebs, that rifle did start life as a laminate stocked gun, Marlin has made two runs of the laminate straight stocks over the years both runs numbering 500 rifles. It's been a while since I've seen one of those with the bear track on the side, we did 6 of them a couple years back. Four others like yours in 457/45-70 and one 50AK, I believe we sold all but one or two at the DSC show that year. I hope it serves you well, it's always nice to see a rifle I built giving good service.
ColoradoYaler, I'm glad to see you got to put that big 50 to work on a nice moose, how wide was he?
Bryan from WWG

Hey Bryan. My 457 ammo just came from HSM Friday, so I'm good to go.

Jon

Biebs , you'd be happier if you taped two of them together !!

Would that make it a falling block double? :-)

Bryan
My moose was harvested on a DIY hunt out of Bethal. It was 50 inches wide.

My wife harvested one also that was 52 inches wide.

Is that 416 Ruger BLR still there? How about the 375 ruger blr. Is one on the shelf yet?

Regards
Mark

Biebs, that thing looks like it would back you out from under your hat...

I've got a 600 OK, a 505 Gibbs, and a 577 DR.....this is kid's stuff :-)

I know, you showed me that 600 OK, but that thing was HEAVY...

I finally have some Federal 215M primers on the way so I can get that 416 Howell to the range...

I could have given you primers! I think I had probably 20,000 at that time. DOH!!!!

Biebs

Here is a good 45/70 load that has shot great in several different 45/70's including a few Ruger No1's and several different Marlin 45/70's, including the short barreled Guide Guns.

This load has killed several deer, several pigs and my brother killed a nice black bear with it.

The bullet, Hornady 350gr RN or their FP, over 53gr of IMR 3031. Bullet seated and crimped in the cannalure.

Tony, thanks...I'll give it a try.

Beibs, do you have any pictures of it broken down?

Todd, I've never taken it down, but it looks like a set screw in the bottom of the action, then a twist of an interrupted thread connection between the receiver and barrel.

To takedown, unscrew the thumb screw at the forward bottom of the mag tube. Pull down slightly on the forward end of the mag tube, to clear the lug. Slide the mag tube forward, To clear the action. Drop the lever to back the bolt out, and unscrew the barrel...I believe 90 degrees will do it, if I remember correctly.
ND