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Jan 18, 2024 · The author tests out the Marlin 1895 Dark Series, a .45-70 Gov’t lever-action with a tactical twist. If you want to get opinions on rifles, go to a deer hunting camp. As I’m writing this, I’m sitting in a deer camp at the Lowrance Ranch in Truscott, Texas. This is mostly flat, open country, and you’d expect those who live, work and hunt ...
- Lever Love
- Model 1895
- Range Time
- Flashback to The Originals
- The Winner
- By The Numbers
- Parting Shots
I can’t help it, I have to throw a little lever-action love out there first. As per usual when I wander off into the weeds of gun history, feel free to skip this section. Of course, if you do you’re totally missing out. The lever-action’s roots can be traced back to 1848. No, it wasn’t Winchester that first came up with the idea, it was a company c...
Some specifics about the 1895. One of the things that differentiate the Marlin levers from many others is that it ejects to the side rather than to the top. That’s A Good Thing for shooters, especially if you want to drop a scope on your lever-action. In fact, this rifle ships with an XS Lever Rail topped by ghost rings so you can easily put an opt...
At the range I ran a few different brands of ammo through the Dark Series 1895. The Remington Core-Lokt .45-70 Gov’t 405 grain SP and Barnes VOR-TX .45-70 Gov’t 300 grain TSX FN was a given because this is, after all, a Marlin. Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 Gov’t 325 grain FTX are another must-have for levers and are, in fact, seriously badass roun...
It’s worth mentioning this isn’t my only 1895; I have three. Each rifle I have is from a different generation of the 1895 design and I admit the oldest gun is my favorite. That’s partly due to long use smoothing out the lever and the fact that I do actually enjoy the golden appearance of unpainted wood stocks. From past experience, I know the Marli...
There isn’t exactly a clear winner among the various Model 1895s. If you an edge in precision, get the Dark Series 1895. The fact that it’s blacked out is a major plus, too (just saying). But if you want to go the more traditional route with light-colored wood and irons, go for an older Model 1895. I haven’t had any failures with any of my Model 18...
Reliability: 5/5 There have been no issues, yet, with any of my 1895s. I will say you need to know how to work the lever fully because if you do not cycle it properly you’ll cause a failure. Make sure you open and close it entirely. Ergonomics: 4/5 This rifle has decent overall ergonomics. Minus one point for the shorter length of pull but honestly...
What can I say, it’s a rocking rifle. I do want to see it withstand the test of time and hard use but it’s off to a good start. Then there’s that iron-sights-assisted precision. And it’s black. All black. The Marlin Dark Series 1895 in .45-70 Gov’t is a nice gateway lever for firearms lovers who haven’t tried lever-actions yet and also makes a nice...
- Marlin
Jan 31, 2024 · The MSRP of the Marlin 1895 Dark 45-70 stands at $1429, a price point matching its stout chambering. Not to say it is wholly unworthy of it. I may be jumping the gun a bit here in saying my range time provides experience to the contrary. A $1400 price point is tough to swallow for most of us lever gun lovers nonetheless.
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Sep 22, 2020 · The Marlin Dark in .45-70 is Stealthy and Modern. Lever-action rifles have long been one of the most nostalgic American designs, conjuring visions of the old West, gunslingers, and cowboys. Flash ...
- Kristin Alberts
Nov 20, 2023 · The Marlin Dark Series Model 1895 is a substantial step forward for the lever gun and everything the original Dark Series should have been. ... 45-70 Government; Price: $1,379.00; Marlin Dark ...
Jul 3, 2020 · The Marlin 1895 Dark Series is a new take on an old idea. The old idea is still valid, and the new things Marlin has done, to my mind, just make the original even better. The lever-action rifle is a distinctly American tool. Invented and perfected here, it has not received the love overseas that it has had here for generations.
Oct 25, 2020 · The barrel is also threaded 11/16×24, which opens up the possibilities for suppressors and muzzle brakes. Both of which are awesome options to have. The 1895 Dark features a big loop lever, which is smooth and much preferred to other designs. The big loop fits like it was made for your hand, and was a joy to run.
