Review: The New Marlin 1895 SBL .45/70 Rifle Is the Best Lever-Action in the Company’s History
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ม.ค. 2022
- The Marlin 1895 SBL in .45/70 Gov’t is the first rifle out of the gates since Marlin was acquired by Ruger, and after using one for the last several weeks and taking it hunting, I am breathing a huge sigh of relief. Ruger has done right by the beloved brand. And not only has Ruger rescued Marlin from the wreckage of the Remington bankruptcy but based on what I’ve seen so far, it is making the best lever-actions in Marlin’s history. Put simply, Ruger has successfully reincarnated Marlin as a modern gun company.
Link to Shooting Editor John B. Snow's full review of the new Marlin 1895 SBL in .45/70 Gov’t: www.outdoorlife.com/guns/marl... - บันเทิง
Ruger is the best thing that ever happened to Marlin.
And Modern Day America!
Absolutely, well said!
You're meaning since Marlin stopped producing them correct?
CZ is the best thing to happen to Colt as well.
All my pre-safety.. “pure” Marlins are awesome… before Remington or Ruger had anything to do with them
I worked at Remington. The equipment that came from Marlin was ancient, some of it literally antique. Remington had to redesign everything so it could be built on Remington's modern equipment, which is difficult because Marlin's designs were also very old - the product of another age - and their rifles were hand fitted and built on a bench by skilled craftsmen. Unfortunately, the new product development group under Cerberus/The Freedom Group/Remington Outdoor Company was hard pressed by management to get it done. Financial pressure led to the poor decision to release half assed product when the R&D was not yet complete. The Marlin lever guns were very hard to build, the timing of the internal components and figuring out how to stack up tolerances was quite a challenge. Fit finish and function were subpar in too many cases.
True story: I remember sitting in a meeting one day where the R51 pistol was being discussed. The head of engineering said several revised updated parts that were on the way from supplier to address reliability problems. After he spoke, the commercial manager said we had already shipped thousands of pistols. WTF?!! It didn't even work, we were having a devil of a time getting it right, and we were shipping product???
Not smart, it's a really good way to destroy a company's reputation. The old hands at the Remington plant in New York were very unhappy with the new owners and their management style. The executives were gun enthusiasts, but their background was finance not manufacturing. Loving guns and knowing how to make guns are two entirely different things.
Its a shame because the R51 could have been a cool little pistol
Thank you for this information. I just purchased one yesterday.
Good stuff!
@@speedwakemobile Remington did address the problems with the R51 and the later guns are OK, but the damage was done. There were many TH-cam gun channel videos showing poor reliability, and most concluded with the reviewer saying it wasn’t fit for a self defense carry gun.
@MrJeffcoley1 sorry you had to see that happen to brands you probably cared a great deal about. It happens all too often in the corporate world. Milk it financially and damn the product.
My father gave me his Marlin 1895 in 44 mag that he bought in 1972. It was my first rifle. I still love that rifle it’s my favorite of all mine. I live 20 minutes from the ruger factory, I’m very excited for these !
Don't you mean his 1894 in .44 mag?
@@garybarbatelli1972 yeah didn’t even realize I wrote 1895... I do have a Winchester 1895AE also.
As a owner of two original Marlins, a 1894 .357 and 45-70 Guide Gun, I am very pleased to see Ruger pick up the brand and carry Marlin forward with such a premium effort. Way to go Ruger!
Thats the key to me- ruger has the money and experience to fix the issues. They'll makenit quality or they wont make it.
Ruger will definitely make a better Marlin. Glad to see this come to pass. Can't wait to shoot one. Thanks for the review.
I’m looking forward to picking up one of the Ruger Marlin 1895 SBL. I’m very excited about this.
I had 2009 1895SBL. Sold it because I needed to pay a medical bill.
Was always a fan of this 1895sbl. I couldn't find one for a reasonable price the last couple years. All I found was the overpriced one's on GB, so I went with the Henry .45-70 All Weather side gate for $900 and absolutely love it. I realize Ruger is trying to take advantage of the hype behind reviving a great gun, but they need to bring the price down a bit..
Henry's are great rifles, too. Maybe some competition will bring the prices down, without a compromise in quality.
Once production gets up to speed, the price likely will come down a bit. But even if it doesn't, the price isn't unreasonable for the product and the features it offers.
@@ktgiffin8147 it's pretty much the top of the line with all the bells and whistles it's never going to be cheap
@@ktgiffin8147 no way, henry is way more competitively price!!!its ashamed their so high I would buy one for 1100.
The Henry Lever Action X Model is by far the way to go. Build quality on both these guns is top notch. But with the Henry you get the best of both worlds by having the loading tube and the side gate. And....the Henry is less expensive! The only reason I can see to go with this Marlin is if you are simply a die-hard Marlin fan.
I want to thank you for the opening commentary about Marlin, when it was in North Haven, CT. I had family and friends who worked at Marlin and your comments were spot on! I have Marlins passed onto me from my father, from the original New Haven, CT location. I have not purchased a new Marlin since 1989 (1895 45/70). THIS new Ruger Marlin appears to be what Marlin used to be and possibly better. I am sold and will purchase this one as soon as I see it available. Thank you for you video!
So happy Marlin is in good hands now!
Thanks for the video. I’m a Marlin fan, owning 2 older ones. It is an exciting time. I think we can trust Ruger with the Marlin name. Patiently waiting for a 357, 44 or 45 Colt.
This is an absolutely beautiful gun & ruger has out done themselves with this one! Good job ruger, i actually just purchased a ruger super redhawk Alaskan 44m 2.5 barrel love it. I will be getting this 45/70 absafuckinlutely love this gun alot!
It’s nice to see a historical brand revived and perhaps enhanced, the extra touches are nice. I’ve always thought of buying one of these in 45-70 and it’s nice to know that if I were to step up and buy one like the one reviewed here it will be worth the wait, effort and money.
Being a Winchester man myself, I’ve always admired CERTAIN models of Marlin levers..THAT 1895 being one of them. What I DON’T LIKE, is their printing that “Read Instruction Manual” crap ANYWHERE on a firearm..hate it.
Can YOU build one as nice? Can’t complain about something so small then.
I was lucky enough to get one of these thanks to Cabela’s. I was raised on lever action rifles. This is the best lever action rifle I have ever had. I love this rifle. I would have to say this is one of my top two rifles. The 45-70 cartridge in my opinion is one of the best calibers that can do most anything and will take down everything in the world and has. Ruger y’all have done an excellent job on this rifle and a great testament to the Marlin name. Thank you.
I’m my opinion you cannot go wrong with this rifle.
Excellent job Ruger & Marlin.
I have always trusted Ruger and am looking forward to other calibers from the new Marlin line as I already have a 45 70 .
excellent review; can't wait to get my hands on one! Good job friend.
So nice. Thank you Ruger for doing a fine job on this beautiful gun.
Appears to be a fine specimen of a wonderful rifle. Fit looked real good. Cycling looked effortless. I am very encouraged by what I see unless of course this rifle was handpicked by Ruger for you to review. Either way, I'm waiting on the 336 30-30
You absolutely know that Ruger cherry picked this rig for review. No question.
That doesn’t mean they haven’t made tons of improvements to fit and finish though. At minimum you know we’ll get Marlins back that are better than they used to be. I can’t wait for an 1894.
Well it's been a few months and reviewers have picked up guns that weren't specifically sent out fir review. They have been coming with equally positive reviews.
Great video, Sir.
Thank you, I sat here with a cup of coffee as I listened, and I enjoyed it much like I would a conversation with a friend.
Good review, thanks!
Awesome video presentation. Thank you
Excellent video and thanks for the Marlin history to put things into perspective. The price is not inexpensive though. I do appreciate the improved accuracy.
My new 1895 SBL is outstanding. Of the several Marlins I own, including some very nice JMs and two Remington rifles it is by far the best metal work and metal process. The machine work is outstanding even in the dark places nobody but a few will ever look. Saying that, my two Remington Marlins, a 336S and another 1895 SBL, were until now my favorites going back to the late 60s. I have a new favorite, thank you Ruger! Looking forward to the next releases to redefine the Marlin lever gun for years to come.
EXCELLENT PRESENTATION. THANK YOU SIR
Can’t wait to buy this when there available!! I’m impressed
I came to firearms later in life so that may be the reason I love old school stuff. They are like Les Paul or Stratocaster guitars. Or the A-10 warthog and the B52 bomber. Timeless design. I regret having to sell my Marlin .410 lever action although Henry seems to make a fine version. I still have my red pad .270 Ruger International. Miss their shotguns I always wanted one. I waited hoping they would make a side by side in 20 gauge and poof, no more shotguns from them at all. I loved Bill Ruger's take on classic old weapons.
You said TEXAS I subscribed. Very good information and insight! Thank you. HOOYAH!!!
I have a Remington made Marlin 1895 that I purchased new in 2016. Fit and finish are flawless, the walnut has a lot of character, function is smooth, and the rifle is accurate. I guess the last years with Remington produced good rifles as evidenced by mine. I have taken, deer, elk, and bear with it.
So into this gun ❤️👍🏻🔥. Really like Rugers amazing warranty too :-). Great review
That rifle gets me more excited than an AR.
Beautiful gun. I'm waiting for the 336 in 35 Remington. Should be an excellent rifle for deer, black bear and even moose.
Happy to know there are others that love the old .35 Rem. Henry makes their side gate lever actions in .35 Rem, too, so I think we'll have that marvelous, underrated caliber around for quite some time. Moose with a .35 Rem? Absolutely. I reload a nice little elk round with 180 gr. Speer flat nose and 41.5 grs of IMR 3031. I get around 2400 fps from it. Buffalo Bore makes a great heavy .35 Rem with a 220 gr bullet at 2200 fps. Have a great time when that new RM 336 comes around in the .35 Rem.
I bought the 1895 Trapper and love it .So much fun to shoot .Ruger has done a fantastic job on this rifle
Ruger please keep the quality up and they'll sell. Please bring back the 1894, the 39a, and please bring back the 450 marlin and 338 marlin Xpress. So much potential please don't let it get away from you all.
I agree ... the 450 Marlin is a fantastic cartridge
Love how intense you look while firing👍 just awesome lol
I have a 1976 Marlin 336C in .30-30 and would love to get a stainless modern version ... that rifle you reviewed looks beautiful.
Nice! Good to see Marlin quality is back with some upgrades. Would love to see it in traditional walnut and bluing. Good video.
If u havent seen it yet that guide gun looks amazing.
Hope they bring back the SC model with walnut and blued metal and chambered in 35 Remington. I own two of these from the 50's and they are my favorite.
Just pre ordered one of these and hope i can get it sooner than later.
Absolutely want one
I’m super stoked that Marlin is back. Want my .45-70 Dark so bad!!! Or maybe a 24” octagonal Cowboy version.
Went into a gun store in Melbourne Australia to buy one. Looks like I’ll be waiting till 2023. Australia wide all the gun shops have ordered 500 SBL and most are already got deposits down.
In the meantime I picked up a Browning BLR in 30/06 wacked a Aimpoint in it.
Well I couldn’t go into the gun shop without buying a firearm could I.
I just bought a Remlin Dark 45-70 from Cleavers. Picking it up in Melb as soon as my permit comes thru. Hope the quality is ok.
The threaded barrel is definitely a nice touch.
So looking forward to this firearm! Have been wanting one for some time, but I really can’t see taking a polished stainless barrel and receiver into the woods hunting. I hope the blued version with walnut stocks makes there way out soon. Have plans to tame the beast with some 500gr projectiles and a can for sure. Thanks for the review and that Ruger is beautiful.
Use this walking bush hunting moose the last three years!! Great rifle for that.
Perhaps the firearm I MOST regret selling, I got very luck with my 1895 SBL a few years ago, but sold it and dozens of others before a big move to a tropical environment. I REALLY should have kept it. Glad to know they've improved it and I'll likely grab the Ruger version now since it's less of a hit-or-miss than the original.
Good vid. Good job, Ruger.
I have a original 45/70 from marlin. Bought it in 2008. I make 405 grain cast bullets. Which it weighs out at 350 grain after casting the bullets. Shot at a 1/4 inch mild steel plate. Bullets went right through the plate. Love the hard cast.
Very nice..I have the 1895TSBL trapper skinner..45/70...I love it ..👍👍👍,also have a 336 in .35 rem..from the 60s I think..also a good thumper..
Nothing beats a Marlin JM model hands down and I happen to have one
Glad to see that Marlin's are coming back but I'll save my excitement for when they get into the hands of the masses. A couple of samples for the TH-cam community doesn't tell the whole story.
That offering looks very nice. Glad to see Ruger raising the bar. I would like to see this with lighter furniture. Leave the wood and laminate for those who want it, but carbon fiber and/or dressed out fiber reinforced polymer should knock off some weight and offer durability. Also glad to see that made in NC.
You want a lightweight lever gun in .45-70? You go with your bad self, me personally I’m not a fan of the .45-70 recoil in a lever gun platform
…AND ramp up the price considerably too
Thank goodness.
Looks like one sweet rifle. Hope they come out with a stainless 336 in 3030. That would be my next purchase. You can check out a few lever guns including Marlins I've got on here if you like, thanks.
I have one of the Marlin 1895 SBL Trapper 45-70’s produced before Remington went into bankruptcy and I have no complaints about fit/finish/function. It’s an excellent rifle that I paid $850 for. Today used SBL’s are going for $2500+ on Gun Broker, etc.
Only an idiot would buy one for that price
I do believe that now is the time for Ruger to build a .45-70 Super Blackhawk and call it a Ranger Sequoia.
Oh man I need this so bad!
I have a Remlin. 45-70 and it's been a very good gun despite all the negatives. Not sure this one is worth more than double the price.
Agree. My 2016 and 2020 Marlin's are fantastic rifles.
NOT!!!
To me, it is like the "pre-'64" thing for Winchesters in general but specific to the 30-30. I happen to have an 1896 production Model 1894 in 30-30. Yep, attention to detail, better fitment, nice smooth radiuses where you want them.... My friends' 1982 Winchester Model '94 in 30-30 gets just as many deer (and usually more) than mine. So, for the purpose, which is a better rifle? Answer: They are the same.
I'm genuinely surprised at how tolerable the recoil appears to be even though it's a 45-70. I agree with a few other posters here in the comments, Ruger is the best thing to ever happen to Marlin and I dare say that ruger may put Henry in their place in terms of fit, finish and reliability with this rifle. I genuinely can't wait to see the 336s come out in 30-30, .44 magnum and .357 too. I'll probably put a muzzle break on my 30-30 and maybe my .44 too. Its also nice to see a fellow gun loving Texan here on TH-cam.
This makes me happy. Hoping for a good 1894 also, a typical problem child, and all the traditional styles then maybe just maybe an advanced lever action short throw, floating barrel, spiral mag maybe in a short cartridge.
Excellent gun
Im looking forward to getting an octagon barrel stainless 1894 in 357 and one in 45 colt. Wish they would make it in 454 casull. Maybe beef it up a touch to handle the 65000 psi. And id love to see ruger branch to other lever actions too. Maybe a remake of the 92 winchester. Something better than the rossi thats usually full of problems. Bet ruger would absolutely kill that.
Modern lever guns just don't come close to the beauty of the rifles produced 100+ years ago. Their lines just don't flow like they use to. However, this one is still attractive and I'm glad they are still being manufactured. Great video...thanks!
Im in North Haven. All of us had a Grandfather or Uncle that worked there. Everyone is leaving CT now.
I want one! Beautiful rifle.
story sold!!!!!
Now I want sale my old 1895to this!
I had an original Marlin that was really bad in the accuracy department, from
A ransom rest it sucked but before I’d buy another I’d have to see some great accuracy? I got rid of that one , great review
That’s a nice looking rifle!
Absolutely can’t wait for them to bring this to the 1894 as well
Now !ale this model in 444 and 44 Super with the correct twist and spacing for heavy bullets.
Great brush gun!! I have the 336.
I am a henry lever action fan BUT have to admit I always loved the look of that rifle
I want one in 44 magnum
Waiting for re-introduction of saddle ring 30-30. A rare old model, indeed.
Can you add rounds to the tube after shooting and racking the lever or do you have to empty the tube to reload? My marlin can add rounds to keep max capacity.
Well,...when Marlin was still MARLIN,...those rifles set the bar. Both of mine (1895 STP 16" "Trapper", purchased in 2010, prior to the buyout, and 1 of 500 made) an my dad's 336 in 30-30,...both smooth as silk. Which Mark 6 did you get? The TMR-D? Also,...ya gotta admit,....laminated trees are getting scarce, especially the gray/black ones.
I got two revolvers and a 10/22 charger from them. This has also been a dream gun for me. Loosk even much better done by Ruger
Would like to see fine wood Mod. 336 and some 30-30, 35 options. Blue steel, brass ghost sights, etc.
I need this in my life
I'm excitedly looking forward to Ruger releasing the new 1894s.
Awesome news to get Marlins back in production Ruger should be a great fit. Nice points of detail and that’s an awesome scope. But 3 rounds of 47-70 into an Audad at 100 yards, really?
Agreed, I was like damn bro chill out
I love it,I want one
I’ve got a number if Rugers, and the only one that proved to be a disappointment was the mini14. Just didn’t cycle reliably. The rest are phenomenal firearms, and Ruger’s warranty/service is second-to-none. I’ve been dying to get a lever gun, but for that price I’ll have to wait for a .22 to be released.
A Mr.john b.snow I have a question about the new marlin 1895 can I buy the new marlin1895 rifle made with the breach and the hole where you load your ammo on the left side of the rifle because I shoot off my left shoulder and can I get the rifle a foot longer (12inchs) also the barrel in a octagon?
I own a JM Marlin 336 in .35Rem. I hope these guns are a sucess for Ruger and fill a hole in their offerings. That price needs to come down before I would buy one. Wish they would bring back the Model 60 with the original microgroove rifling though.
I had a Remlin 1895 and while it wasn't a terrible rifle, it did have fit and finish problems - sharp edges on the lever and hammer spur, sloppy trigger and sloppy action. It shot well enough, but the lack of optics mounting options and the poor sights really got my goat because they were simple deficiencies that didn't have to be present in the final product. It was a rifle that had a lot of potential, had it just been finished properly. Ruger seems to have taken this design and pushed it to it's maximum potential, which is refreshing to see these days.
Already own a marlin sbl wondering if I can get that tritium front sight for mine?
Sorry if this is taken the wrong way but, I watched 3:45worth of this video, didn't get my answer lol. But what kind of scope is that on there ?! Nice !!!
Love the laminated grey stock , same colors as the Ruger #1 I’ve had for 20 years. This rifle just looks solid!
Marlins had that same stock for years
I just have to get one!
Wondering if I should sell my Remington Model to get the new Ruger made one
Now, the question is, where can a huge Ruger fan get their hands on one of the first off of the production line? I see reviews but no buying opportunities.
I got one today
Good luck finding one. Scalpers will pick them off the shelf within moments and have them on gunbroker for $2000. It'll probably be 6 months to a year before the average person can expect to find one of these.
He needed 3 hits on a 100 yd ram to anchor it with a 45-70? That's ridiculous!
He probably shoots til the animal is down instead of letting it run, boyo
I don't know if it's ridiculous, but I was wondering the same thing. Why three shots.
Would love to see Ruger make one in .480 Ruger to go with my Ruger 6 1/2" SS Super Blackhawk with the Bisley grip.
An accuracy test would have been nice.
Ruger is very good. I loved my red hawk 44 mag. Bought a sp101. Not impressed. Fit and finish is not good. And I own a Remington Marlin trapper tsbl 45-70. It is very nice. Fit and finish is very good. Other than polishing the inside of it here and there it is a very nice gun. Saw your ruger marlin jam on another channel. Loading gate problems.
So how do the new ruger compare to the JM stamped 1895?
Thanks
When is Ruger going to make the 1895 CB model with the 18.5” tapered octagonal barrel, 6+1, dark walnut butt stock and forearm, semi- buckhorn rear and gold bead front sights. This to me is the most authentic and perfect size barrel and wood of any of the Marlin lever guns!! The 18.5” octagonal barrel with Ballard rifling is the most accurate of all barrels Marlin ever made. It is the most practical size too!!
How many years has it been from Marlin threw Remington to Ruger? 3 owners in how many years?
Ruger-Marlins will be great guns, but Henry has got a head start on them.
I bought one of the last Marlin 1894's made in CT, (2011) in .357/38sp, and had to do a LOT of work on it. I had to file and stone every internal, and install a Wild West trigger upgrade. I didn't want an older gun because I don't like the Microgroove, and prefer the Ballard rifling.
At 1:15 you mention the 'old machinery' and that sums up why Marlin faded, and Remington had such a hard time reestablishing the brand. The tooling, the old machines used to make Marlins the old fashioned way were old, worn out, and out-of-spec. Remington had to convert the old tooling to CNC . . . which wasn't easy.
Love to buy one. Can't find one around here or a gun shop that might get one.