A History of Power: The .45-70 and its Enduring Appeal
The Legacy of the .45-70 Cartridge
The .45-70, originally known as the .45-70-405 (referring to its .45-caliber, 70 grains of black powder, and a 405-grain bullet), was officially adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873. This adoption signaled a shift towards a more powerful and accurate cartridge, replacing the .50-70. It rapidly became the standard for the American military, seeing extensive use in the Indian Wars and beyond. The .45-70’s trajectory was relatively arching at longer ranges, but its stopping power was undeniable. Its ability to deliver a heavy, slow-moving bullet with devastating impact made it a formidable force on the battlefield and in the hunting fields.
The .45-70’s Enduring Appeal
Beyond its military service, the .45-70 gained popularity among hunters and frontiersmen. Its effectiveness against large game, particularly bison, elk, and bear, solidified its reputation as a reliable and versatile cartridge. The round’s ability to be reloaded with black powder or modern smokeless propellants further enhanced its appeal, as shooters could customize loads for various needs. Today, the .45-70 enjoys a renaissance, attracting shooters who appreciate its historical significance, powerful performance, and inherent accuracy.
Lever-Action Heritage: The Genesis of Henry and Marlin
The Henry’s Contribution
The original Henry rifle, a marvel of engineering in its day, laid the foundation for the lever-action design that would revolutionize firearms. Designed by Benjamin Tyler Henry and introduced in the 1860s, the Henry rifle’s tubular magazine and repeating mechanism provided a significant advantage over single-shot rifles. This innovative design, capable of holding many rounds, became a favorite of Union soldiers during the Civil War and frontiersmen who desired an advantage against foes. The modern Henry Repeating Arms Company continues the tradition, producing elegant and reliable rifles that pay homage to this rich heritage, offering a classic representation of American craftsmanship.
The Marlin’s Innovations
The Marlin Model 1895, introduced in, represents another significant development in lever-action rifles. Originally designed by John Marlin, the 1895 built upon the lever-action design, bringing enhancements like side ejection of cartridge cases. Marlin’s lever-action rifles were known for their robust construction and innovative features. The modern Marlin Model 1895, manufactured by various companies over the years, retains this legacy, offering a durable and accurate platform for the .45-70 cartridge. Many iterations have been created over the decades, continuing the legacy.
Examining the Craft: Design and Construction Details
The Henry’s Design
The Henry .45-70 typically features a blued steel barrel and receiver, often with a brass or steel receiver. The company is known for its attention to detail, which results in a rifle that is not only functional, but also beautiful. The stocks are usually made of quality American walnut or, increasingly, synthetic materials for added durability. The tubular magazine, a hallmark of the Henry design, is loaded through a port at the end of the magazine. This loading system, while traditional, is less convenient than the side-loading gate found on most Marlin rifles. Many models are made with octagonal barrels, adding to the classic look.
The Marlin’s Features
The Marlin 1895, on the other hand, often features a blued or stainless steel barrel and receiver. The receiver is generally more robust, designed to handle the high pressures generated by the .45-70 cartridge. The stocks are generally made of American walnut, though synthetic options are also available. Marlin rifles have a loading gate on the right side of the receiver, providing easy and fast loading.
Visualizing the Sights: How They Line Up
Henry’s Sight System
The sights play a pivotal role in a rifle’s accuracy. The Henry rifles often feature adjustable buckhorn rear sights paired with a blade front sight. This configuration offers a decent sight picture for general shooting and hunting, though the sight picture may be more challenging for shooters accustomed to a flat top sight. Many Henry rifles are also drilled and tapped for scope mounting, expanding the rifle’s versatility.
Marlin’s Sight Arrangement
The Marlin 1895 typically comes with adjustable open sights, with a rear sight that can be set to different elevations. These sights, along with the scope mounts, can be added to the rifle for improved accuracy. These sights are adequate for a wide range of shooting scenarios. Many Marlin rifles are drilled and tapped for scope mounting, providing versatility for hunters and target shooters who seek more precision.
Holding the Pieces: Feel and Handling
Henry’s Feel
The feel of a rifle is crucial to user experience. The Henry .45-70 tends to have a smoother action, which comes from its design. The Henry’s stock often offers a slightly more classic and streamlined feel, making it easier to carry and maneuver in the field. The Henry’s balance is a common area of positive review.
Marlin’s Handling
The Marlin 1895, with its heavier construction and different stock profiles, often feels more robust and purposeful. The side loading gate is often easier to use, and many shooters prefer its faster loading system. The Marlin rifle can offer more weight on the barrel, especially the heavier stainless steel variants, which helps mitigate recoil.
Evaluating Ballistics and Accuracy: Hitting the Target
The Power of the .45-70
The .45-70 cartridge provides impressive ballistic performance. The heavy, slow-moving bullets deliver substantial energy, making it an effective choice for hunting large game. The effective range for the .45-70 is generally considered to be 200-300 yards, depending on the load and rifle.
Accuracy Testing Considerations
For accuracy testing, real-world results show significant variation depending on the particular load used and the shooter’s ability. Both the Henry and Marlin rifles are capable of achieving respectable accuracy with careful handloading or factory ammunition selection. Many shooters report consistent groupings within a few inches at 100 yards. The choice of ammunition has a significant impact on accuracy, with some factory loads performing better than others.
Recoil Management
Recoil is a noticeable factor in both rifles, given the power of the .45-70. However, the weight of the rifle, the stock design, and any recoil-reducing features can greatly impact the felt recoil. The Marlin, especially with its heavier construction, often provides slightly better recoil management than the lighter Henry. The weight is important to consider when picking out the best rifle for you.
The Practical Side: Hunting and Range Experience
Hunting Applications
The .45-70 is a versatile cartridge, well-suited for hunting a variety of game animals. Its power and stopping power make it an excellent choice for elk, deer, and even bear. In dense woods, the .45-70’s ability to deliver a heavy bullet at close range makes it a highly effective hunting option. The straight-line trajectory of the cartridge can provide a clean hit at a close distance.
Hunting and Shooting Performance
The Henry and Marlin rifles are both excellent choices for hunting. The Henry’s classic design and smoother action appeal to hunters who appreciate tradition and aesthetics. The Marlin’s robust construction and side-loading gate can make it an easy choice for experienced hunters, and its durability and weather resistance are also key advantages. Both rifles can be easily equipped with scopes for increased accuracy at longer ranges.
For target shooting, the .45-70 can be a fun and challenging cartridge to shoot. The substantial recoil and the arching trajectory require the shooter to make adjustments. With practice, both rifles can deliver accurate results at targets at 100 yards or more.
Weighing the Cost: Price and Access
Price Points
The price of the Henry and Marlin .45-70 rifles is a significant factor. Generally, the Henry rifles often come with a slightly higher price tag due to their craftsmanship, beautiful finishes, and attention to detail. The quality of the build and components impacts the overall cost, and the prices may vary between models and configurations.
Accessibility
The Marlin rifles are typically priced more affordably. The Marlin’s price also varies depending on the features and finish. The availability of both rifles is good, with a large number of both rifles at various firearm dealers and online retailers.
Analyzing the Strengths and Weaknesses
Henry’s Advantages
The Henry .45-70 shines in its aesthetics. The Henry is known for its superior fit and finish, making it a beautiful rifle. The tube loading system is a characteristic, though it is slower to load compared to a side gate system.
Marlin’s Attributes
The Marlin 1895 is known for its rugged construction and easy loading. The Marlin is a rifle made to handle use in the field. Many Marlin rifles come with pre-drilled and tapped scope mounts for adding optics.
The Ultimate Decision: Choosing the Right Rifle
The Choice of Rifle
Ultimately, the choice between the Henry .45-70 and the Marlin 1895 comes down to individual preferences and needs. If you value aesthetics, smooth operation, and a touch of classic Americana, the Henry is a wonderful choice. Its beautiful design and tube magazine loading will surely be eye catching.
Hunting and Use of the Rifle
If you prioritize durability, ease of loading, and ruggedness, the Marlin is an excellent option. Its robust design and side-loading gate make it well-suited for hunting and heavy use. The choice also depends on the intended use and the specific hunting environments.
The End Result
Both the Henry and Marlin .45-70 rifles offer a piece of history, a powerful cartridge, and a fulfilling shooting experience. They are worthy of consideration by anyone seeking a lever-action rifle for hunting, target shooting, or simply appreciating the history of firearms. Whether you opt for the sleek elegance of the Henry or the robust functionality of the Marlin, you are guaranteed to own a piece of shooting history.
So, which rifle will you choose?
