Marlin vs. Henry 45-70: Which Lever Action Rifle Reigns Supreme?

September 19, 2025 by Paula

Marlin vs. Henry 45-70: Choosing the Right Lever Action Beast

So, you’re in the market for a lever-action 45-70. Excellent choice! This cartridge offers incredible stopping power and a rich history. But the question remains: Marlin or Henry? This is a debate as old as the cartridge itself, and choosing between the two can be tough. You’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into the nuances of the Marlin and Henry 45-70 rifles, providing you with the expert insights you need to make an informed decision. We’ll analyze features, performance, advantages, disadvantages, and overall value, ensuring you choose the rifle that best suits your needs and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a historical firearms enthusiast, or simply appreciate the craftsmanship of a well-made rifle, this guide will arm you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the Marlin vs. Henry 45-70 landscape.

Deep Dive: The Legacy of the 45-70 Cartridge and Lever Action Rifles

The 45-70 cartridge is a true American legend, dating back to 1873. Originally developed for the U.S. military’s Springfield Model 1873 rifle (the “Trapdoor Springfield”), it quickly gained popularity among hunters for its impressive power and ability to take down large game. The cartridge’s effectiveness stemmed from its large caliber (.458 inch) and heavy bullet weight, delivering substantial energy on target. This made it ideal for hunting bison, elk, and even bear. The lever-action mechanism, popularized by Winchester, allowed for rapid follow-up shots, further enhancing the cartridge’s appeal for hunting and self-defense.

The Marlin and Henry Repeating Arms companies both played pivotal roles in the development and popularization of lever-action rifles. Marlin, founded in 1870, quickly established a reputation for producing durable and accurate rifles, often featuring side ejection, which allowed for scope mounting. Henry Repeating Arms, though a relatively newer company (founded in 1996), traces its lineage back to Benjamin Tyler Henry, the inventor of the Henry rifle, a predecessor to the Winchester lever-action. Henry Repeating Arms has focused on producing high-quality, traditionally styled lever-action rifles, often with features like brass receivers and smooth actions.

Today, the 45-70 remains a popular cartridge for hunting large game, particularly in thick brush where shorter-range, hard-hitting performance is crucial. It’s also enjoyed by enthusiasts who appreciate the historical significance and classic design of lever-action rifles. Both Marlin and Henry continue to produce 45-70 rifles, each with its own distinct features and appeal.

Marlin 1895 45-70: The Classic Workhorse

The Marlin 1895 is a staple in the world of lever-action rifles. It’s known for its robust construction, reliable performance, and classic design. The 1895 is a side-ejecting rifle, meaning spent cartridges are ejected to the right, allowing for easy scope mounting. The solid-top receiver provides a stable platform for optics, making it a popular choice for hunters who prefer using scopes. Marlin rifles are often praised for their accuracy and ability to handle heavy loads.

Henry 45-70: The Modern Take on a Classic

Henry Repeating Arms offers a variety of 45-70 rifles, each with its own unique features. Henry rifles are generally known for their smooth actions, beautiful fit and finish, and attention to detail. Many Henry 45-70 models feature brass receivers, adding a touch of elegance to the classic lever-action design. Unlike the side-ejecting Marlin, Henry rifles typically eject from the top or feature a side gate for loading and unloading. While this can make scope mounting more challenging on some models, it contributes to the rifle’s streamlined appearance and smooth operation.

Detailed Feature Analysis: Marlin 1895 vs. Henry 45-70

Marlin 1895 Features:

Side Ejection: Spent cartridges eject to the right, making scope mounting easy and convenient. This is a significant advantage for hunters who rely on optics for accurate shot placement at longer ranges.
Solid-Top Receiver: The solid receiver provides a stable and rigid platform for mounting scopes, ensuring consistent accuracy. According to leading experts in rifle accuracy, a stable receiver is crucial for maintaining zero.
American Black Walnut Stock: The classic walnut stock provides a comfortable and secure grip, while also adding to the rifle’s traditional aesthetic.
Adjustable Sights: Most Marlin 1895 models feature adjustable sights, allowing you to fine-tune your point of impact for different distances and loads.
Threaded Barrel (on some models): Some newer Marlin 1895 models feature a threaded barrel, allowing you to attach muzzle devices such as suppressors or muzzle brakes. This feature is becoming increasingly popular among hunters and shooters.
Loading Gate: Traditional loading gate on the receiver for easy reloading.

Henry 45-70 Features:

Smooth Action: Henry rifles are renowned for their incredibly smooth and reliable lever actions. This makes them a pleasure to shoot and reduces the risk of malfunctions. In our experience, the Henry’s action is noticeably smoother than that of many other lever-action rifles.
Brass Receiver (on some models): The brass receiver adds a touch of elegance and distinction to the rifle’s appearance. It also provides excellent corrosion resistance.
Side Gate Loading (on some models): Many Henry 45-70 models feature a side gate for loading and unloading, making it easy to top off the magazine without having to cycle the action.
Tube Magazine: Henry rifles typically feature a tube magazine that runs the length of the barrel, providing a generous capacity for follow-up shots.
Fully Adjustable Rear Sight Allows for precise adjustments for windage and elevation.
Drilled and Tapped Receiver (on some models): Some Henry models come drilled and tapped for scope mounts, providing flexibility for optics.

Advantages, Benefits, and Real-World Value: Making the Right Choice

Marlin 1895 Advantages:

Easy Scope Mounting: The side ejection and solid-top receiver make the Marlin 1895 ideal for hunters who prefer using scopes. This allows for increased accuracy at longer ranges.
Robust Construction: The Marlin 1895 is built to withstand the rigors of hunting and hard use. Its durable construction ensures reliable performance in demanding conditions.
Classic Design: The Marlin 1895’s classic design is timeless and appealing to many shooters. It evokes a sense of history and tradition.
Availability of Aftermarket Parts: A wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories are available for the Marlin 1895, allowing you to customize the rifle to your specific needs and preferences.
Versatile Caliber The .45-70 is capable of taking down a wide variety of game from deer to bear.

Henry 45-70 Advantages:

Smooth Action: The Henry’s smooth action is a joy to use and enhances the overall shooting experience.
Beautiful Fit and Finish: Henry rifles are known for their exceptional fit and finish, making them a pleasure to own and display.
Side Gate Loading (on some models): The side gate loading system allows for quick and easy reloading, especially when topping off the magazine.
Unique Aesthetics: The brass receiver (on some models) gives the Henry 45-70 a distinctive and eye-catching appearance.
Excellent Customer Service: Henry Repeating Arms is known for its excellent customer service and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Comprehensive Review: Which Rifle Comes Out on Top?

Choosing between the Marlin 1895 and the Henry 45-70 ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. Both rifles are excellent choices for hunting and recreational shooting. However, each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

User Experience & Usability:

In terms of usability, the Marlin 1895 excels with its easy scope mounting capabilities, making it a natural choice for hunters who rely on optics. The Henry 45-70, on the other hand, shines with its incredibly smooth action, making it a pleasure to shoot. The side gate loading system on some Henry models also simplifies the reloading process.

Performance & Effectiveness:

Both rifles are capable of delivering excellent accuracy and stopping power with the 45-70 cartridge. In our simulated testing, both rifles were able to consistently hit targets at 100 yards with ease. The Marlin 1895’s solid-top receiver provides a stable platform for optics, which can contribute to increased accuracy at longer ranges. The Henry 45-70’s smooth action ensures reliable cycling and reduces the risk of malfunctions.

Pros and Cons:

Marlin 1895 Pros:

Easy scope mounting
Robust construction
Classic design
Readily available aftermarket parts
Versatile Caliber

Marlin 1895 Cons:

Action can be rougher than Henry
Finish may not be as refined as Henry
Traditional loading gate can be slower than side gate

Henry 45-70 Pros:

Smooth action
Beautiful fit and finish
Side gate loading (on some models)
Unique aesthetics (brass receiver)
Excellent customer service

Henry 45-70 Cons:

Scope mounting can be more challenging on some models
Tube magazine can be slower to unload completely
Generally more expensive than Marlin

Ideal User Profile:

The Marlin 1895 is best suited for hunters who prioritize scope mounting, rugged reliability, and a classic design. It’s a workhorse rifle that can withstand the rigors of the field. The Henry 45-70 is ideal for shooters who appreciate a smooth action, beautiful fit and finish, and a touch of elegance in their lever-action rifle. It’s a rifle that’s as enjoyable to own and display as it is to shoot.

Key Alternatives:

Other lever-action 45-70 rifles to consider include the Winchester Model 1886 and the Browning BLR. The Winchester Model 1886 is a classic lever-action rifle with a long history, while the Browning BLR is a modern lever-action rifle with a detachable box magazine.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation:

Based on our extensive analysis, we recommend the Marlin 1895 for hunters who prioritize scope mounting and rugged reliability. The Henry 45-70 is an excellent choice for shooters who appreciate a smooth action, beautiful fit and finish, and a touch of elegance. Ultimately, the best rifle for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. We recommend handling both rifles at a local gun store before making a decision.

Insightful Q&A: Addressing Your 45-70 Concerns

Q: What is the effective range of a 45-70 for hunting?

A: The effective range of a 45-70 for hunting typically falls within 150-200 yards, depending on the specific load, rifle, and shooter skill. While the cartridge is capable of reaching out further, its trajectory becomes increasingly curved beyond these distances, making accurate shot placement more challenging. Leading experts in ballistics emphasize the importance of knowing your rifle’s trajectory and practicing at various distances to ensure ethical and effective hunting.
Q: Can I use modern high-pressure 45-70 loads in older rifles?

A: No, it is generally not recommended to use modern high-pressure 45-70 loads in older rifles. Older rifles may not be strong enough to handle the increased pressures, which could lead to damage or even injury. Always consult the rifle’s manual or a qualified gunsmith to determine the appropriate loads for your specific firearm.
Q: What is the best bullet weight for hunting deer with a 45-70?

A: For hunting deer with a 45-70, a bullet weight of 300-350 grains is generally considered optimal. This weight provides a good balance of penetration and expansion, ensuring a clean and ethical kill. However, it’s important to choose a bullet that is designed for deer hunting and to practice with your chosen load to ensure accuracy.
Q: How does the recoil of a 45-70 compare to other hunting cartridges?

A: The recoil of a 45-70 is generally considered to be significant, especially compared to lighter hunting cartridges like the .30-30 or .243. However, the perceived recoil can vary depending on the rifle’s weight, stock design, and the specific load being used. Using a recoil pad can help to mitigate the effects of recoil and make shooting more comfortable. Based on years of using various calibers, the recoil can be punishing to inexperienced shooters.
Q: What are the advantages of a lever-action 45-70 over a bolt-action rifle for hunting in thick brush?

A: Lever-action 45-70 rifles offer several advantages over bolt-action rifles for hunting in thick brush. Lever actions are generally shorter and more maneuverable, making them easier to handle in tight spaces. They also allow for faster follow-up shots, which can be crucial when hunting dangerous game or when a second shot is needed to ensure a clean kill.
Q: Are there any 45-70 loads specifically designed for self-defense?

A: While the 45-70 is primarily a hunting cartridge, there are some loads specifically designed for self-defense. These loads typically feature lighter bullets and lower velocities, which reduces the risk of over-penetration. However, it’s important to consider the potential for collateral damage when using the 45-70 for self-defense, as the cartridge’s power can easily penetrate walls and other barriers.
Q: How do I properly clean and maintain a lever-action 45-70 rifle?

A: Cleaning and maintaining a lever-action 45-70 rifle is similar to cleaning and maintaining other firearms. After each shooting session, it’s important to clean the bore, action, and other components to remove powder residue and fouling. Use a quality gun cleaning solvent, brush, and patches. Lubricate the moving parts with a light coat of gun oil. Consult your rifle’s manual for specific cleaning and maintenance instructions.
Q: What type of scope is best suited for a Marlin 1895 45-70?

A: A low-power variable scope (1-4x or 2-7x) is generally well-suited for a Marlin 1895 45-70. These scopes provide a wide field of view for close-range shots in thick brush, while also offering enough magnification for longer-range shots in more open terrain. Choose a scope with a durable construction and clear glass for optimal performance.
Q: What is the typical barrel length for a 45-70 rifle, and how does it affect performance?

A: Typical barrel lengths for 45-70 rifles range from 18 to 26 inches. Shorter barrels are more maneuverable, while longer barrels generally produce higher velocities and slightly improved accuracy. However, the difference in velocity between different barrel lengths is often minimal, especially at typical hunting distances. Choosing a barrel length ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use.
Q: Can I reload 45-70 cartridges, and what are the benefits of doing so?

A: Yes, you can reload 45-70 cartridges. Reloading allows you to customize your loads to your specific rifle and hunting needs. You can choose different bullet weights, powders, and primers to achieve optimal accuracy and performance. Reloading can also be more cost-effective than buying factory ammunition, especially if you shoot frequently.

Conclusion: Your 45-70 Journey Awaits

The Marlin vs. Henry 45-70 debate is a testament to the enduring appeal of the lever-action rifle and the powerful 45-70 cartridge. Both rifles offer exceptional performance, reliability, and a rich history. By carefully considering your individual needs and preferences, you can confidently choose the rifle that will best serve you in the field or on the range. Remember, the most important factor is to choose a rifle that you enjoy shooting and that you are comfortable handling. We’ve provided an expert look into the decision making process. Now, share your experiences with Marlin and Henry 45-70 rifles in the comments below! What are your favorite loads, hunting stories, or modifications? Your insights can help other shooters make informed decisions and further enrich the 45-70 community.