doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Older Lever - 1871, 1886, others?

I have a very low SN Marlin 1881 in 45-70 that's a cool old rifle. 28" octagon barrel and very heavy, that's fun to shoot. Killed a few whitetails with it in my youth.

Of course, I only shoot the low power loads in it, due to it's age and design. It was actually the first commercially successful lever action rifle chambered in 45-70.

I've seen a few for sale on some of the gun sale/auction sites.

Brent, my load for deer with the 1889 Marlin in .38-40 was 18 grs. of 2400 with a 170 gr. gas check bullet. I'm not sure why, but the reaction from thee deer on impact was the most spectacular kill I've ever seen. I was 80 yds. from the buck, and he froze when he spotted me. I sat there waiting with my sights on his chest, hoping he'd turn. I finally decided if he turned, he might simply bolt and I'd miss a chance, so I took the slightly angled shot on his chest. When I shot I saw the buck come straight up on his hind legs and land on his back. Never kicked or made any movement after hitting the ground.
I've had deer I shot with a perfect behind the shoulder hit with my old .30-06 that took off running, and acted as if it was a bad hit. But no matter what I've killed, nothing reacted like that buck hit with the .38-40 did.

Thanks Val. That is a lot of help. I have yet to shoot anything other than targets with my 3840. Maybe someday I will though.

I understand what you mean by the reaction to that frontal shot. I shot a small Book a few years ago with a 54 flintlock. Had the same sort of angle issue that you did but was much closer and using a load that moved at about 1800' per second. The buck did not rear up per say, he just rolled backwards in a reverse somersault. It was like a TV shooting where the bad guy goes flying backwards.

I'm guessing you're onto something Brent, as it pertains to the angle of entry. I figured it wasn't simply bullet knockdown power lifting the buck up and over on his back. More likely that he simply reacted to being hit at that angle and died as he was on his hind legs. But it was pretty impressive, regardless.
My niece's husband was with me and was hunting with his Savage 110 in .243 caliber. He looked at his gun, and said, "Maybe I should rethink this modern bolt action?"
His reaction at seeing the buck flip backwards shouldn't be printed here. But what he said was hilarious.

I too have experienced that same reaction, but only when the bullet (or piece thereof) hit the spinal column. Angle of entry doesn't matter as long that big nerve bundle is hit.

Any leads on a Marlin M1894 .44-40 or .38-40 barrel would be appreciated. Very early gun.

Copy and paste these, not great, but they are original
Mike

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Marlin-1894-94-38-40-Round-Barrel-20-Good-Shape-Original-Carbine/152858831997?hash=item239718ac7d:g:XaMAAOSw8vNaVBjd

Corrected Removed one of the links

Both of those links seem to go to the same place for me.

Also, the fourth paragraph looks like an octagon barrel but the description and the rest of the papers look like it is round.

I'd like to think my ol' 95 has sent at least a couple of tigers to their great reward. It is marked Lyon & Lyon Calcutta and has the requisite British proofs.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R4...97&_sacat=0

Hope he needs a carbine barrel, as that's what both are.

I Just located TWO 99% Model 71s. One is as factory with all accessories - sights, hood, etc. Including a set of .348 dies and one hundred primed brass. $2400

The other is a custom Model 71 in .375 Alaskan - this is a 348 Ackley Improved expanded to take a .375 bullet. It has a heavier barrel and all surfaces are cleaned up and nicely rust blued. It is 100% - looks like it has never been carried and no handling marks at all. $2500

Hard to choose. The original condition gun has collector potential, the the custom gun is very cool and would be 'a hoot to shoot'.

Mybe I should get both?