What would you choose, given the following...

1. Used only in dense woods in NY state
2. I reload
3. Ignore rifle and ammo costs

One debate between the two is that I reload, and soft 45/70 loads throw a 300 grain bullet almost as fast as max 454 Casull loads. The other debate is that the action on a 454 levergun is much smaller that that of a 45/70. I really like the Model 04 from Wild West Guns in 454, as well as their Co-Pilot in 45/70. But, I could also get a Marlin 1895 in 45/70, get a peep site for it as well as a large lever loop. But those takedowns from Wild West Guns are soooooooo sweet.

www.wildwestguns.com

What say ye?

I own 2 marlins in 45/70. I like the 92 action of the 454 and like the chambering. The problem is that I have never seen a Rossi Puma that was of the quality I demand in ownership.
As far as a WWG version-- if I am spending that kind of money, I would buy a Turnbull 1886 in 50 alaskan or 50 express. I had a Marlin cowboy converted to 50 alaskan for less than a WWG 04 costs. Turnbull is down the road from you at route 5 and 20.

No contest. 45-70 and a plain jane Marlin Guide Gun, and in your environment, stainless. And for your intended use I would try the new Hornady Leverevolution ammo. For reloads I would go with the Nosler 300 grain partitions. And if you decide you need real firepower Randy Garret makes some excellent 45-70 powerhouses.

Thanks gents.

Buckeyeshooter, who is Turnbull? I live in eastern PA just shy of the Delaware River, and I am unfamiliar with the routes 5 and 20 that you mention...

WELL OF THOSE 2 HANDS DOWN 45-70 but you may also think of the 450 marlin which would let you load the 45-70 to full potental.they make the shell longer so it can't be fired in older 45-70 rifles there is a article about all 3 of these calibers in the current guns & ammo jan 07.the article starts on pge 60

Go to www.turnbullrestoration.com . These folks are the premier lever gun restoration and caliber conversion shop in the USA -- maybe the world. The shop is at the other end of the state from you just south of Rochester NY. If you are ever in the area, stop by the showroom.

quote:

3. Ignore rifle and ammo costs. What say ye?

If price is no issue at all what's to keep you from buying a Co-Pilot and calling life swell? Otherwise the regular Guide Gun tunes up nicely with decent aftermarket sights and the upgrade parts sold by WWG.

Get a good one in either round and be happy..

I really like the M92 action and would take that myself. But a good 45-70 would keep a big smile on my old face.....

Get a 45-70. I have a stainless guide gun and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I am in complete agreement with buckeyeshooter on Doug Turnbull. The man is an incredible artist and craftsman. His work is so gorgeous it almost defies description.

"Get a 45-70. I have a stainless guide gun and I wouldn't trade it for anything. "

I feelt he exact same way about my stainless Guide Gun, man it's sweet, and accurate.

Get a 45/70.................on the rossi's I have one in .44 rem amg a stainless 92 with 20"barrel and it feeds and shoots fine, great little gun for slinging lead off the back of the ute

I have both a 20" barreled s/s Puma M92 in 454 Casull and a Marlin 1895GS 45-70...

They both have a place in my realm of uses...

If I was forced to pick just one it would be the 45-70 hands down...

If your talking shots under 100yds in thick woods and only whitetails it would be hard to beat the 45-70 with regular factory loads. That 454 sure is a great idea but the quality looks kinda crappy (Puma) but if it was in a Marlin or now defunct Win 94 that would be my choice.