Marlin 1895SS Barrel swap

Cherokee_Jon · Member Joined: Dec 16, 2008 Posts: 26 Location: PA

I have an older Marlin 1895SS in 45-70 with a short barrel and magazine tube. It has a heavy pistol grip stock and no tang or slide bar safety. Recoil is manageable, but the muzzle flip isn't. I also have the 1895CB in 45-70 with a 26" hexagon barrel, longer magazine and the slide bar safety. It kicks like a mule, but has little muzzle flip. Question should (I know I can) I switch the barrels and magazine so that the 1895SS has the hexagon barrel and longer magazine? Can I sell the 1985CB with a shorter barrel or keep it?

PS: Marlin will put a new barrel on for $300 and take 3 to 6 months to do it.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 7:10 am Post subject: Re: Marlin 1895SS Barrel swap

If you aren't using the Cowboy for Cowboy Action Shooting (I'm not sure how the rules read on modifications) why not just put a better recoil pad on it? I put a LimbSaver pad on my Guide Gun (and on an Encore .50 cal ML) and it made a big difference in shooting comfort.

Cherokee_Jon · Member Joined: Dec 16, 2008 Posts: 26 Location: PA

I like the pistol grip and no safety on the 1995SS. I can use either gun in CAS, but only at long range (read 100 - 200 yards) competitions, which the limb saver is legal if attached to the stock or is a leather slip-on.

1 vote shouldn't, use better options.

Vince · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 12:57 am Post subject: Re: Marlin 1895SS Barrel swap

Sounds like this is a thread for Gelan to answer.

Cherokee Jon...from memory Gelan has played with light loads in his 45-70...light enough for his wife to shoot comfortably, and she is a tiny girl. Maybe he has some advice which will save you an awful lot of trouble mate.

Cheers, Vince

Cherokee_Jon · Member Joined: Dec 16, 2008 Posts: 26 Location: PA

I've weighed the two guns on a bathroom scale and the SS is 7lbs, the CB is 6.5lbs. The barrel on the SS is 22". I'm guessing 2lbs for 4"" of hexagon barrel, which would make the end result of the swap at 9lbs for the SS and 4.5 or 5lbs for the CB. 9lbs would be about the weight of my Sharpes, which doesn't kick as bad. Plus 4" of barrel would add what 200 to 300 fps?

I know its a lot of extra effort, but is the end result worth it?

SwampFox · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 7:35 am Post subject: Re: Marlin 1895SS Barrel swap

Jon,
Before you start changing barrels, mag tubes, etc., you might try changing the angle of the stock butt. Increasing the angle forces the muzzle to rise and reduces felt recoil, reducing the angle brings the muzzle rise down but it also increases the felt recoil. In this description increasing the angle shortens the length from the toe to the action.
Best,
Ed

Cherokee_Jon · Member Joined: Dec 16, 2008 Posts: 26 Location: PA

Swampfox, I like the way the SS stock mounts to my shoulder as is. After reading replies (thanks all) and talking with friends my best course of action is have Marlin rebarrel the SS and sell the CB to pay of it. Anyone interested in buying a good slightly used 1895 CB with 26" hexagon barrel for $400?

gelandangan · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 7:44 pm Post subject: Re: Marlin 1895SS Barrel swap

Gday Jon,
if you are after light load in 45-70, I have been using 460gn cast lead on 12.9gn of trailboss.
No recoil to speak off and definitely no muzzle flip.
The load is VERY accurate on my H&R Buff Classic to group at less than two inch in 200 meters!
And so far, every goats and pigs that meet it just drop where they stand.

I am not after buffaloes or elephants, so full loads are not needed.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 10:30 pm Post subject: Re: Marlin 1895SS Barrel swap

Jon, I sure might have to think on that! I have a Guide Gun and another from 1972 but I've always liked the looks of that Cowboy...

Why didn't you post this last week?!?! I was in Gettysburg for a few days.

roklok · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 12:47 am Post subject: Re: Marlin 1895SS Barrel swap

Where are you in PA, Cherokee John ? 400 sounds like a pretty good price, and I have been wanting a cowboy for a while. I live in AK, but have lots of family in PA.

Ever since seeing the limited edition Alaskan 50th Anniversary edition "Cowboy Carbine" 1895, I have had the hankering to buy a Cowboy and shorten the barrel to 18"

Cherokee_Jon · Member Joined: Dec 16, 2008 Posts: 26 Location: PA

roklok and Pumpkinslinger I've PM you both.