My first question is whether a Take-Down Browning BLR is a good choice. I won't be shooting this rifle at the 600 yard line so, I only need reasonable accuracy and not 3 inch groups that far away. Ease of transport seems to be good with a TD rifle like this and has advantages when I don't want to travel with a registered SBR (Short Barrel Rifle).

For caliber choices, I'm looking at a factory 450 Marlin initially but, a 470/475 Turnbull could be an option at some point in a year or two. Should I consider a Browning BLR or Marlin in 450 Marlin to be better then the other?

For future consideration, should I consider a Marlin for a Brockman upgrade? Would a Marlin or Browning (non-TD) be a better choice if I upgrade to a Turnbull caliber in future? Is the Browning TD a good candidate for modification or a caliber change to a 470/475 Turnbull?

I see a lot of threads about the Winchester 1886 but, I don't recall ever handling one. In a lever action, am I missing a better option there? Rough factory price comparisons suggest I can get a Marlin or Browning for a third the price of an 1886 but, modifications in a year or two would make this cost difference diminish in importance.

For use, I want:
1) a good range rifle (I spend more time at the range then in the field)
2) something capable for heavy game in North America
3) something that is an option for African plains game (I want a double but, for half the cost I can get a superior lever action rifle)
4) a rifle that makes a good "road companion" (NFA items are handy but, have issues for a road warrior)

I don't expect to ever need a rifle on domestic travel but, shit happens occasionally (like a vehicle breakdown is sub-zero whether and heavy sleet) so, something I could defend myself with or hunt in an extreme situation has some value in the unlikely event I would need that capability in modern society.

Maybe just buy the Miroku/Winchester/Browning Model 1886 with the 26" barrel, take down model in 45-70. The '86 is action limited to a cartridge OAL of 2.74". The 45-70 case is 2.1", so you can seat heavy (500gr+) out longer, or rechamber to the 45-90 which is .3" longer. The 45-70 works everywhere, know-it-all/know-nothings no withstanding. Brian Pearce and other have killed Cape Buffalo with a single shot.

It is a close range (me, 150yds) dangerous or other game rifle, but will do anywhere you can close within that distance from your quarry.
The '86 can always go to Doug Turnbull (www.turnbullrestorations.com) for conversion to as large as a 50-110 or 50 Alaskan (think 50-110 Improved). Over 4500fp/me is available in an eight-shot magazine with the 26" barrel. As a take down, it needs a case just 28" long.

Rich
Buff Killer

I don't know where you travel, but for most of the country, a browning TD in .308 would be just dandy.
Have little case made and people would not even think it was a rifle.
But If you are gonna be in Big bear counrty , you might be better off with marlin.
I like the 45/.70 real well, and I see the 450 marlins being sold off cheap at a lot of store, gut me thinking remington might discontinue them.(just a guess).
Another good choice would be the TD BLR in .358 win.
Use a good 225 grain barnes tripple shock, and you should be able to stop anything at close range.
I like marlins, and I like the TD Browning.
I just wish they would do switch barrels.
say a .338 Federal,(another good choice for you) and a .260 Rem in the switch barrel, Very versital hunting rig there.
...tj3006

quote:

Originally posted by Thomas Jones:
I like the 45/.70 real well, and I see the 450 marlins being sold off cheap at a lot of store, gut me thinking remington might discontinue them.(just a guess).

...tj3006

Isn't the 450 Marlin a belted 45-70 loaded to higher pressure? Factory 45-70 ammunition will be easier to find but, it can't be factory loaded very hot due to it's legacy on weaker rifles. I plan on reloading so, that mitigates some concern about factory loaded ammunition.

If you are reloading there is no reason to not get the 45-70. The Hodgden site shows loads for both and the ballistics are virtually identical. How often do you find yourself needing to buy factory ammo when out hunting other than varmint calibers if the prairie dogs are plentiful. It's never happened to me in over fifty years of hunting nor has it happened to any one I know.

Newbie on board! Hi!

I have a Marlin and BLR in 450 and a Marlin in 45/70. I have loaded for both and come to believe that, when handloading, there is nothing the 450 can do that 45-70 cannot meet or beat.

I bought a Winchester 1895 take down in 30-06 several years ago, which would be right out of the box what you are looking for? The suggestion on the 86 takedown is a good one. I've got one of those in the deluxe grade hidden away.
I'm not a big fan of the 470/475 Turnbull but I did have Turnbull make me up a 50 alaskan and its the most levergun fun you can have! It would be my chambering of choice as it does everything better than the 475 diameter.

Sid

Random thoughts...

A take down rifle is the Bees Knees for travel.

The 308 is a great calibre, the 45/70, 450 Marlin are great calibres...

Do you want to use a scope or not???

If not consider a Winchester new made 1895 in 405 WCF. I have one in TD and really like it.

An 1886 TD in 45/70 would also be a good choice.

I have shot some of Turnbulls personal rifles, and seen a fair amount of his work. It is all First Class.

quote:

Originally posted by buckeyeshooter:
I bought a Winchester 1895 take down in 30-06 several years ago, which would be right out of the box what you are looking for? The suggestion on the 86 takedown is a good one. I've got one of those in the deluxe grade hidden away.
I'm not a big fan of the 470/475 Turnbull but I did have Turnbull make me up a 50 alaskan and its the most levergun fun you can have! It would be my chambering of choice as it does everything better than the 475 diameter.

There is nothing wrong with an 1895 TD in 30/06.

You can get 30/06 ammo most ANYWHERE, and the 30/06 with the right bullet is a great classic calibre.

As someone once said..."THERE AIN'T MUCH YOU CAN'T FIX, WITH 700 DOLLARS AND A 30/06...

However, if I am restricted to iron sights, and ammo availibility is not a problem I prefer the 405 in the 1895... But the 30/06 is never a wrong choice.