I am purchasing a marlin 1895 XLR (stainless, composite, pistol grip) in 45/70 Gov't to use as a saddle gun.

If anybody has one, I'd like to hear of your experiences with it, ammo recommendations, modifications suggested, etc.

It will mainly be used to help protect clients from a potential close encounter with a Grizzly bear and for hunting elk in black timber.

I have one and I also have the M-1895GS; both are .45-70's.

I prefer the XLR handling. It is a much nicer rifle to shoot; not so harsh as far as muzzle leap. I don't know if there is much difference in recoil (mathematically speaking), but the XLR tends to push rather then jump. Still, I will not part with the Guide Gun. It's a superb packing/hiking rifle.

I wouldn't modify a damn thing, except that I add a small SS snap ring to the cross-bolt receiver safety, to prevent it getting inadvertently set. I lost a big black bear a few years ago, when that happened (with the M-1895GS).

Thanks Demonical. How about replacing the iron sights?

What about the iron sights? Are you going to stay with the irons or remove them for a scope? I've seen guys install a rear peep, that looks like a pretty good set-up for hunting in the timber or stalking black bear.

I've got 1.5-6X scopes on both my .45-70's; the M-1895GS is a Tasco Titan 30mm, the XLR is a Leopold Vari-XIII. Ummm... the Leopold is nicer...

I have one and bought it to replace a Guide rifle I did not care for. For me the XLR is a much nicer rifle to shoot. The iron sights that came on it are fine. I never really played with load developement yet and have purchased a scout scope and mount for it but it is not installed. I certaintly managed to hurt the porky population with it last year up here in Alaska. Good rifle, handles and shoots and feeds well. I am happy.

The rear factory buckhorn is two pieces and the actual sight blade folds. I'm concerned it will come loose with some scabard time or be folded down at a critical moment. The front sight is too small and hard to aquire quickly.

So, I am replacing the rear sight with a Brockman ghost ring peep designed for the rifle and a Marble Arms fiber optic front sight.