The lever action rifle is a classic western firearm. I grew up watching John Wayne, Client Eastwood, and Glenn Ford use it to round up outlaws. Teddy Roosevelt famously used guns like the 404 Winchester, model 1895 (also nicknamed the “big stick”), and the Model 94 to hunt exotic game around the world. The lever action rifle will forever sit next to the single action revolver as the guns that changed history in the “Western days.” So, can you mix old-school western guns with the newer tactical innovations we have today? You can, and they are.
Lever action rifles are made in a variety of calibers, some calibers are more modern, and some have been around longer than the lever action rifle. The Marlin Model 1895 45-70 Government lever action tactical rifle is the combination we are looking at today. I like to say it’s an old-school lever action with a tactical twist.
The .45-70 Government
It’s hard to let the rifle take up all the attention and not talk about the caliber that has been around for so long. It is still used a great deal today by avid hunters. The .45-70 was introduced in 1873 (the same year as the typewriter) by the US Government as a black-powder cartridge. It saw service during the Indian Wars that same year. It replaced the US Army’s .50-70 caliber and remained their choice until 1892.
The .45-70 will kick like a mule when shooting it from most lever action guns. The heavy bullet can still produce good ballistics out to 200 yards before you start getting much bullet drop. Hand-loaded rounds can do even better and have an effective range past 400 yards. When an animal does find its way in the path of a .45-70 it has the knock-down power needed to stop it.
The Marlin 1895 Trapper 45-70 GOVT
The Marlin 1895 is a very popular and classic gun to shoot. The lever action rifle is offered in a variety of finishes and still has room to be customized. The Marlin Trapper is based on the same design as the 1895 SBL but has a shorter barrel and what the company is calling a “bead blasted” stainless finish to keep glare away. It comes standard with receiver-mounted Skinner peep sights. While Marlin is now owned and operated by Sturm, Ruger & CO, they have kept the traditional Marlin features the same with some slight improvements.
If you own one of the newer, Ruger/Marlin models you will find the serial number starts with “RM” which stands for “Ruger-made Marlin.” There could also be an “R” logo stamped on the side of the gun as a proof mark from the Ruger company. They have also made the traditional Marlin black and white bullseye on the bottom of the stock, red and white instead. The Marlin horse rider is also engraved on the grip portion of the gun.
The Tactical Twist
The traditional lever action rifle is a classic piece of history that will always have its place in the gun world. But these days, tactical and classic are starting to blend. I didn’t think I would ever accept a “tactical” lever action gun. I will admit, however, that it is growing on me. This Marlin 1895 Trapper was equipped by Armorer and Firearms Instructor, Tycher Blakely with a Ranger Point Precision Tactical M-Lok handguard and a Trijicon Acog optic. The loading gate was replaced with a flyweight loading gate to allow easier and faster loading. The standard rifle comes with a 6-pound trigger so that was upgraded to a 3.5-pound pull.
So why do we want a tactical twist to the lever action? There may not be one answer to that question. Lever actions used to be the primary rifle for our military and have significant historic value to gun enthusiasts. Some may view the tactical lever action as an alternative to the semi-auto rifle should it become illegal someday through gun laws and restrictions. Another reason is that it has become not just a hobby, but an art with “tricking” out your rifle. The AR-15 industry has exploded into a customized world where no rifle is the same; you buy the bare bones and make it what you want. Why not move on to lever actions next?
Summary
Most guys would say they don’t play “dress up,” but give them an AR-15, AK-47, or 1911 and watch what they do with it. The lever action has now officially moved into that badass category where you can customize it to your heart’s content. Replace the stock, change out the trigger, find the handguard you just have to own, and more. The Marlin 1895 Trapper also comes with a threaded barrel on which to attach your suppressor. Just add a scope or red dot and you have a cool gun with some serious knock-down power.
It may not stand up to the AR-15 or 10 with a 30-round mag that can shoot several rounds per second but can still be an effective medium to long-range gun. It can be loaded quickly and cycled faster than a bolt action rifle. It is simply another style of rifle that you can set up exactly how you want. Ruger did a great job at bringing back the classic Marlin rifles and made some beneficial improvements along the way. If you want to own a legendary rifle without giving up that state-of-the-art piece of equipment guess what, you can! Add whatever features you want as you build your first tactical lever action rifle.
Marlin 1895 Trapper Features:
- Barrel: 16.1” made of 410 stainless steel, cold hammer-forged for exceptional accuracy and longevity. The twist is 1:20 RH.
- Threaded barrel: 11/16″-24 pattern to accommodate a muzzle brake or suppressor. factory-installed thread protector.
- Receiver: lever and trigger guard plate are CNC machined from 416 stainless steel forgings.
- Spiral-fluted, nickel-plated bolt aids smooth cycling.
- Weight: 7.1 lbs
- Capacity: 5+1
