M14 Forum

redlegagent

It would seem you got it just in time. Apparently, Marlinton has dropped the .450 Marlin along with the venerable .444 Marlin from their 2012 catalog leaving only the 45-70 among the big bore levers.

dprice3844444

you can get the 50 marlin converted at wild west guns in alaska

LausDeo

Have they even started making Remlin GGs again? Did they get those QC issues sorted out? I ended up getting a Rio Grande because of that mess...

GreatPlainsRifleman

LD, can you go into more detail on your above post? Does Remington own Marlin now, and did they have problems with the Guide Gun in 45-70?

LausDeo

Yes Remington bought Marlin in I think 2007, and in 2010 they moved Marlin's manufacturing into Remington plants. Ever since the change of manufacturing plants there have been major QC issues. Last year they actually stopped production a number of Marlins, presumably until QC issues could be addressed. I know the Guide Gun series was part of that, but I don't know about any other models because the Guide Gun is what I was looking to buy. Pre-consolidation models should be fine, and pre-Remington models should definitely be fine.

I don't have any firsthand experience with this, I gathered this information primarily from a levergun web forum, where the "Remlin" issue was discussed frequently. They all seemed to be fans of Marlin and saddened to see these issues come about. I found similar reports on other random websites as well, including the Marlin owner's forum. Last time I checked was back in December, maybe I should go have a look again. I'm kind of surprised that I haven't seen posts about this in this section of the forums actually.

GreatPlainsRifleman

Good information.

I might start a new thread here soon regarding .45-70 and bear. I assume you'll be interested. :)

With our first baby on the way in October...I don't think the wifey will be any bit happy if I purchase another firearm. My M14 build was a pricey one. But a big bore lever gun would be so very solid.

LausDeo

Certainly interested! The Rio Grandes are cheap- $400s to $500s. It's the ammo that will eat your wallet, you've GOT to reload over the long term. My M14 build is quite pricey too, it sounds like we did things in reverse order :P

I did some quick looking. Searching "remlin" on Paco Kelly's Leverguns brought me to this thread: http://levergunscommunity.com/viewto...3&hilit=remlin

Which brought me to this entire section of forum on marlinowners.com dedicated to Marlin rants: http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/marlin-rant-forum/

I think it's safe to say the problem persists, unfortunately. Fortunately the Rio Grande is lighter, carries the higher capacity mag tube, and comes with a RIS rail installed for those who really want it (that came off immediately when I got home). The recoil pad it comes with practically feels like more of a spacer than a pad, so I'll ger around to replacing it eventually. After firing my Buffalo Bore in my friend's steel buttplated 1886, I am painfully aware that the recoil pad is your friend with these guns.

EDIT: After reading a few posts maybe they've fixed things. I'd hold off for a while still just to be sure, or get a non-Marlin.

Doug in Alaska

The Buffalo Bore 430 gr Hard Cast Penetrator would do you fine. I carry a 45/70 up here for big bear and shoot a 525 gr Beartooth hard cast, gas-checked Pile Driver at 1800 FPS.
My rifle is a Marlin Stainless Guide Gun; I don't go anywhere in my boat without this rifle in the gun boot. JMHO

GreatPlainsRifleman

Thanks for sharing the info on your rifle, Doug.

dprice3844444

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=651404