Marlin vs. Henry 45-70: Which Lever Action Reigns Supreme?
The venerable 45-70 cartridge, a true legend of the American West, has found a resurgence in popularity thanks to its versatility and stopping power. This has led to a head-to-head battle between two iconic firearms manufacturers: Marlin and Henry. If you’re trying to decide between a Marlin and a Henry 45-70 lever action rifle, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of each platform, exploring their features, advantages, disadvantages, and ultimately, which one might be the better choice for you.
Our aim is to provide an in-depth analysis, far exceeding the typical online comparison. We’ll cover everything from historical context and design philosophies to practical shooting considerations and long-term ownership. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the nuances that separate these two rifles and be equipped to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve spent countless hours researching and analyzing these rifles, and we are excited to share our findings with you.
A Deep Dive into the Marlin and Henry 45-70 Rifles
Both Marlin and Henry offer compelling options in the 45-70 caliber. However, their approaches to design and manufacturing differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial to making the right choice.
Marlin 45-70: A Legacy of Reliability
The Marlin 1895, chambered in 45-70, boasts a long and storied history. Known for its side ejection and robust construction, the Marlin has been a favorite of hunters and outdoorsmen for generations. Recent years have seen some challenges with quality control under new ownership, but the core design remains a classic.
The Marlin action is known for its solid top receiver, which makes it easy to mount optics. This is a key advantage for hunters who prefer using scopes. The side ejection also ensures that spent cartridges are ejected away from the shooter’s face, a feature appreciated by right- and left-handed shooters alike. While early Remington-era Marlins faced criticism, Ruger’s acquisition and subsequent production have shown significant improvements in quality and consistency.
Henry 45-70: A Modern Take on a Classic
Henry Repeating Arms brings a different perspective to the 45-70 lever action. Their rifles often feature a more refined fit and finish, along with distinct design choices. While some purists may miss the traditional side ejection, Henry’s approach offers its own set of advantages. Their rifles are generally known for smooth actions and excellent out-of-the-box performance.
Henry rifles typically load via a tube magazine located under the barrel, requiring the user to twist the tube and load rounds directly into the magazine. While some find this less convenient than a loading gate, it does allow for a cleaner receiver design and often contributes to a smoother overall action. Henry is also known for its commitment to quality and customer service, building a strong reputation among its customers.
The 45-70 Cartridge: Power and Versatility
Before diving deeper into the rifles themselves, it’s important to understand the 45-70 cartridge. Originally developed for the U.S. military in 1873, the 45-70 quickly gained popularity among civilian hunters. Its large-caliber bullet and substantial powder charge deliver impressive stopping power, making it suitable for a wide range of game, from deer and hogs to bears and even larger animals.
The versatility of the 45-70 is another key factor in its enduring appeal. Ammunition is available in a variety of bullet weights and configurations, allowing shooters to tailor their loads to specific hunting or shooting scenarios. From mild recoil loads suitable for practice to heavy-hitting rounds designed for maximum penetration, the 45-70 offers something for everyone.
Product Explanation: Marlin 1895 SBL vs. Henry All-Weather 45-70
For a concrete comparison, let’s focus on two popular models: the Marlin 1895 SBL and the Henry All-Weather 45-70. These rifles represent the core design philosophies of each manufacturer and are widely sought after by 45-70 enthusiasts.
Marlin 1895 SBL: Stainless Steel Powerhouse
The Marlin 1895 SBL is a modern classic. Its stainless steel construction makes it highly resistant to the elements, ideal for hunting in harsh conditions. The large loop lever allows for easy operation, even with gloved hands. The black and gray laminate stock provides a comfortable and secure grip. The SBL is designed as a rugged and reliable tool for serious hunters.
Henry All-Weather 45-70: Durable and Dependable
The Henry All-Weather 45-70 is built for durability and performance in any environment. Its hard chrome plating protects against rust and corrosion, making it a great choice for those who hunt in wet or humid climates. The synthetic stock is virtually impervious to the elements and provides a comfortable and secure grip. The All-Weather is designed to withstand the rigors of hard use.
Detailed Features Analysis
Let’s break down the key features of each rifle, examining their design and functionality in detail.
Marlin 1895 SBL Features
- Stainless Steel Construction: Provides excellent corrosion resistance, extending the life of the rifle, especially in harsh environments. This is particularly important for hunters who frequently encounter rain, snow, or saltwater.
- Large Loop Lever: Facilitates easy operation, even with gloved hands. This is a crucial feature for hunters in cold climates, where gloves are essential for maintaining dexterity.
- XS Lever Rail with Ghost Ring Sights: Offers versatile optics mounting options and provides a reliable backup sighting system. The rail allows for the attachment of scopes, red dot sights, or other accessories, while the ghost ring sights offer a fast and intuitive aiming solution.
- Six-Round Capacity: Provides ample firepower for most hunting situations. This capacity strikes a balance between firepower and weight, making the rifle manageable for extended hunts.
- Threaded Barrel: Allows for the attachment of muzzle devices, such as suppressors or muzzle brakes. This feature is becoming increasingly popular among hunters, as it allows for reduced recoil and noise.
- Enhanced Trigger: The trigger on newer Marlin rifles has been significantly improved, offering a lighter and crisper pull. This leads to improved accuracy and a more enjoyable shooting experience.
- American Black Walnut Stock: A durable and attractive stock that offers a comfortable grip and classic look.
Henry All-Weather 45-70 Features
- Hard Chrome Plating: Provides exceptional corrosion resistance, surpassing even stainless steel in some regards. This ensures the rifle remains protected from rust and corrosion, even in the most demanding environments.
- Synthetic Stock: Virtually impervious to the elements, offering superior durability compared to wood stocks. The synthetic stock is resistant to moisture, temperature changes, and impacts, making it ideal for hard use.
- Five-Round Capacity: Offers a reasonable capacity for most hunting applications. While slightly less than the Marlin, the five-round capacity is still sufficient for most hunting scenarios.
- Drilled and Tapped Receiver: Allows for easy optics mounting. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped to accept scope mounts, making it easy to customize the rifle with your preferred optic.
- In-Line Plunger System: This system ensures reliable primer ignition, even with a variety of ammunition types. This is a critical feature for ensuring consistent performance in the field.
- Smooth Lever Action: Henry rifles are known for their exceptionally smooth lever actions, providing a more enjoyable shooting experience. The smooth action allows for faster follow-up shots and reduces shooter fatigue.
- Recoil Pad: The soft recoil pad helps to mitigate the felt recoil of the 45-70 cartridge, making the rifle more comfortable to shoot. This is particularly important for shooters who are sensitive to recoil.
Advantages, Benefits, and Real-World Value
The advantages of each rifle translate into tangible benefits for the user. Understanding these benefits is key to making the right decision.
Marlin 1895 SBL Advantages
- Superior Optics Mounting: The solid top receiver and side ejection make the Marlin 1895 SBL ideal for mounting optics. In our experience, this is a major advantage for hunters who rely on scopes for accurate shooting at longer ranges.
- Increased Capacity: The six-round capacity provides an extra round compared to the Henry, which can be beneficial in certain hunting situations. While one round may not seem significant, it can make a difference when a quick follow-up shot is needed.
- Threaded Barrel Versatility: The threaded barrel allows for the use of suppressors or muzzle brakes, enhancing the rifle’s versatility. This is a growing trend among hunters, as suppressors can reduce noise and recoil, while muzzle brakes can improve accuracy.
- Classic Aesthetics: The combination of stainless steel and laminate wood gives the Marlin 1895 SBL a classic and appealing look. While aesthetics are subjective, many shooters appreciate the traditional styling of the Marlin.
Henry All-Weather 45-70 Advantages
- Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: The hard chrome plating provides unmatched protection against rust and corrosion, making the Henry All-Weather 45-70 ideal for harsh environments. This is a significant advantage for hunters who frequently encounter wet or humid conditions.
- Low Maintenance: The synthetic stock and hard chrome plating make the Henry All-Weather 45-70 easy to maintain. The rifle requires minimal cleaning and lubrication, making it a great choice for those who prefer a low-maintenance firearm.
- Smooth Action: Henry rifles are renowned for their smooth lever actions, providing a more enjoyable shooting experience. The smooth action allows for faster follow-up shots and reduces shooter fatigue.
- American Made: Henry rifles are proudly made in the USA, which appeals to many shooters who prefer to support American manufacturing.
Comprehensive and Trustworthy Review
Here’s a balanced review of both rifles, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
Marlin 1895 SBL Review
The Marlin 1895 SBL is a powerful and versatile rifle that is well-suited for a variety of hunting applications. Its stainless steel construction and large loop lever make it a rugged and reliable tool. The ability to easily mount optics is a major advantage for those who prefer using scopes. The enhanced trigger is a welcome improvement, providing a lighter and crisper pull.
Pros:
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Easy optics mounting
- Large loop lever
- Six-round capacity
- Threaded barrel
Cons:
- Potential for quality control issues (though improving under Ruger ownership)
- Slightly heavier than the Henry All-Weather
- May require some initial break-in for smooth action
Ideal User Profile: The Marlin 1895 SBL is best suited for hunters who prioritize ruggedness, reliability, and the ability to easily mount optics. It’s a great choice for those who hunt in harsh conditions and demand a rifle that can withstand the rigors of hard use.
Henry All-Weather 45-70 Review
The Henry All-Weather 45-70 is a durable and dependable rifle that is built to withstand the elements. Its hard chrome plating and synthetic stock make it virtually impervious to rust and corrosion. The smooth lever action is a joy to use, and the rifle is known for its consistent performance.
Pros:
- Exceptional corrosion resistance
- Low maintenance
- Smooth action
- Drilled and tapped receiver
- American made
Cons:
- Tube magazine loading can be less convenient
- Five-round capacity
- Lacks the threaded barrel of the Marlin
Ideal User Profile: The Henry All-Weather 45-70 is best suited for hunters who prioritize corrosion resistance, low maintenance, and a smooth lever action. It’s a great choice for those who hunt in wet or humid climates and want a rifle that is easy to care for.
Key Alternatives: Other lever-action 45-70 rifles exist, such as those from Chiappa Firearms, but they often lack the established reputation and widespread support of Marlin and Henry. Bolt-action rifles chambered in 45-70 are also available, but they offer a different shooting experience compared to lever actions.
Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation: Both the Marlin 1895 SBL and the Henry All-Weather 45-70 are excellent rifles. The choice ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize optics mounting and a threaded barrel, the Marlin is the better choice. If you prioritize corrosion resistance and a smooth action, the Henry is the better choice. Consider your primary hunting environment and shooting style to make the best decision for you.
Insightful Q&A Section
- Q: What is the effective range of a 45-70 for hunting?
A: While the 45-70 is a powerful cartridge, its effective range is generally considered to be around 200 yards for hunting big game. Beyond that distance, bullet drop becomes more significant, and accuracy can be challenging.
- Q: What is the recoil like in a 45-70 lever action?
A: Recoil in a 45-70 lever action can be significant, especially with heavier loads. However, it is manageable with proper shooting technique and the use of a good recoil pad. Lighter loads are available for practice or for shooters who are sensitive to recoil.
- Q: Can I use modern 45-70 ammunition in an older Marlin or Henry rifle?
A: It is crucial to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific rifle. Some older rifles may not be able to handle the pressures of modern 45-70 ammunition. Using the wrong ammunition can be dangerous.
- Q: What is the best type of scope to mount on a Marlin 1895 SBL?
A: A low-power variable optic (LPVO) in the 1-4x or 1-6x range is a popular choice for the Marlin 1895 SBL. These scopes offer a wide field of view for close-range shooting and enough magnification for longer shots.
- Q: How do I clean and maintain my Henry All-Weather 45-70?
A: Cleaning and maintaining a Henry All-Weather 45-70 is relatively simple. After each use, wipe down the exterior of the rifle with a clean cloth. Periodically, disassemble the rifle and clean the bore and action with a quality gun cleaner and lubricant.
- Q: What is the difference between the Marlin 1895 SBL and the Marlin 1895 Trapper?
A: The main difference is barrel length. The SBL typically has a longer barrel (around 18.5-19 inches) compared to the Trapper (around 16 inches). The Trapper is designed for maneuverability in tight spaces, while the SBL offers slightly better ballistics due to the longer barrel.
- Q: Are there any aftermarket accessories available for the Henry All-Weather 45-70?
A: Yes, there are a variety of aftermarket accessories available for the Henry All-Weather 45-70, including scope mounts, slings, and cartridge carriers.
- Q: What is the best way to load the tube magazine on a Henry 45-70?
A: To load the tube magazine, twist the magazine tube and pull it out slightly. Then, insert cartridges into the loading port, ensuring they are oriented correctly. Once the magazine is full, push the tube back in and twist it to lock it in place.
- Q: Can I use cast lead bullets in my Marlin or Henry 45-70?
A: Yes, cast lead bullets can be used in both Marlin and Henry 45-70 rifles. However, it is important to ensure that the bullets are properly sized to prevent leading in the barrel.
- Q: What is the best way to store my 45-70 ammunition?
A: 45-70 ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It is also important to keep ammunition out of the reach of children and unauthorized individuals.
Conclusion
Choosing between a Marlin and a Henry 45-70 ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. Both rifles offer excellent performance and reliability, but their distinct features and design philosophies cater to different needs. The Marlin 1895 SBL is a rugged and versatile tool that excels in harsh conditions and offers easy optics mounting. The Henry All-Weather 45-70 is a durable and low-maintenance rifle that is known for its smooth action and exceptional corrosion resistance.
We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Consider your primary hunting environment, shooting style, and personal preferences to determine which rifle is the best fit for you. No matter which you choose, you’ll be armed with a powerful and capable firearm that is sure to provide years of reliable service.
Share your experiences with Marlin and Henry 45-70 rifles in the comments below. What do you like or dislike about each platform? Your insights can help other shooters make the right choice.
