After lurking here on the levergun forums, I've decided that I need a 45-70 and have chosen a Marlin Levergun in Stainless Steel (for foul weather). Game will be deer, elk, and bears. Where I hunt elk the longest shot will rarely exceed 200 yards and the average shot will be within 100 yards. I reload so I that is why I didn't pick the 450 Marlin.

Do I get the 20" or the 24" barrel that Marlin offers in their new guns? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

OOPS!! I meant 18.5 inch or 24 inch barrel. Had one of those brain farts just now!!!

i just got the xlr 24" model i like the laminated wood look and found the 24' bbl was not forward heavy at all, very comfortable.
speaking of comfort, you get the decelerator pad on the xlr model. makes it a bit kinder on the shoulder.
the 24' model also puts the bang a bit furthur from your ears too.
greg

I had a guide gun for awhile. A sold it and got a standard 22 inch version. Velocity wise there is not really that much difference.
I like the 22 inch just fine. I have a 1X4 leupold on it and its great fun.
If you get a guide gun, watch for one thing.
The one I had was an early version, that was ported.
I didnt care much for the ports but the real problem was the shortend but stock.
My right thumb was right under my nose.
When shooting a hot load I about ripped my nose off. No fun at all.
The newer ones have a longer but stock.
I like the 350 grain hornady flatt nose over
IMR-4895...tj3006

MT: I like a bit longer barrel, and look forward to owning one of the new XTRs. My feeling is the .45-70 can use a little more barrel length, and I prefer the balance and looks as well.

I have one of Marlins Ltd. versions with the 24" oct. barrel and full length (8 rd) magazine. Very well proportioned and balanced in my opinion. I have the same rifle in a carbine version and I'd much rather carry the longer.

I bought the Guide Gun but if I had it to do over again the XTR would be mighty tempting, what with its laminated stock and good recoil pad out of the box. If a fella needs a handier rifle he could always have the barrel bobbed.

IMO barrel length is associated with two major properties. Velocity and sight radius. Velocity is not important in the 45-70 because rarely do we as reloader's load the 45-70 up to full velocity. 1600 fps is more than enough velocity, yet it is far below maximum velocity. So therefore the longer barrel is not needed to attain 1600fps. The second is sight radius, this is only necessary when shooting with open sights. If you are going to scope the rifle, the longer sight radius is not necessary.

The shorter barrel is lighter, and definitely handles faster. You can manuever(spelling) better in tight quarters. You will have a little more muzzle blast with the shorter barrel. I would go with the shorter barrel for the hunting you are describing. But then in my opinion any 45-70 is a great choice, I have three of them. Tom.

Hello,
My friend has a 450 guide gun with ports. Way to loud with ear plugs.
John