Marlin 1895 Guide Gun
Marlin Firearms · Rifle · In Production · 1998
Also known as: Marlin 1895G, Marlin 1895GBL, Guide Big Loop
Overview
The Marlin 1895 Guide Gun is a short-barreled lever-action rifle chambered in .45-70 Government. Introduced in 1998 as the Model 1895G, it pairs a compact 19.1-inch (originally 18.5-inch) barrel with a six-round tubular magazine, making it a fast-handling, hard-hitting rifle favored by big-game hunters and wilderness guides as backup protection against large or dangerous animals. Following Ruger's acquisition of Marlin, the Guide Gun was reintroduced with a cold hammer-forged barrel, laminate stock, and a big-loop lever.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3357 g (118.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 946 mm (37.24") |
| Barrel Length | 485 mm (19.09") |
| Action Type | Lever Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Muzzle Velocity | 411 m/s (1348 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2215 J (1634 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Laminate |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .45-70 Government · primary — also known as .45-70, .45-70 Govt, 11.6x53mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety, Hammer Block
- Features: Big Loop Lever, Threaded Muzzle, Brass Bead Front Sight, Semi Buckhorn Rear Sight, Side Ejection, Drilled And Tapped Receiver
Variants
- Marlin 1895 SBL - Stainless Big Loop
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Civilian hunters and guides · adopted 1998
Production
Production years: 1998-2020 (Marlin), 2023-present (Ruger)
Production paused after Remington's 2020 bankruptcy; resumed by Sturm, Ruger & Co. following its acquisition of the Marlin brand.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Marlin Firearms
Notes
Originally cataloged as the Model 1895G; the big-loop variant was known as the 1895GBL (Guide Big Loop). The current Ruger-produced model (70456) carries a 19.1-inch barrel and threaded muzzle. Early Marlin-made Guide Guns used an 18.5-inch barrel.
Background
The Guide Gun earned its name and reputation among Alaskan and Canadian hunting guides who wanted a compact, powerful rifle that could be carried all day yet stop a charging bear at close range with the century-old .45-70 cartridge.