Would you recommend a 45-70 for a beginner
Posted by Linocoolio999@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 59 comments
I was thinking about buying myself a 45-70 lever action from Davide Pedersoli. But I’m not sure. I’ve shot moderately sized caliber handguns and some rather small caliber rifles before.
Embarrassed-Air-9364@reddit
Brotherrrrrrr join the darkkkkk siiiiiideeeee
Break action NEF Handi-Rifle in 45-70 was my first
Future-Beach-5594@reddit
45-70 and 30-30 are not cheap to shoot. Last two boxes of 30-30 i bought were 50 bucks a box after tax. 5.56 is where its at for a first rifle. Maybe .308 but even that is a buck a round on average for good stuff vs .39 cents for 5.56
Linocoolio999@reddit (OP)
In Germany one round of 5.56 costs about 0.71€, a .308 round costs about 1.12€, a 30-30 round costs 1.65€ and a 45-70 costs about 2.49€
Future-Beach-5594@reddit
See no matter where you are that 45-70 and 30-30 will eat away at the nee gun budget. Lol 5.56 is great and can so so much. 300blk is also a good round depending on what you want to do with it. Has very similar balistics to a 30-30 to about 200 yards. .308 is my #1 overall do it all.
Linocoolio999@reddit (OP)
Oh yeah and just for reference a .338 Lapua magnum costs about 7.31€ per bullet
uuid-already-exists@reddit
Absolutely not! It kicks hard, expensive and difficult to find ammunition, and just not suited for a beginner. I’d get something that is cheap to shoot to allow for affordable practicing and something more mild. A classic AR-15 is a fantastic choice.
Linocoolio999@reddit (OP)
Sorry I’m not into AR-15
uuid-already-exists@reddit
I’m curious as to why. It’s a great firearm for many different reasons. It’s very controllable, comes in many different varieties, affordable, and useful for sporting, hunting, defense and plinking.
Linocoolio999@reddit (OP)
I don’t really know. But could be the part of the world where I’m from (east Germany). But all my life I’ve preferred the AK more. Not saying the AR is bad I just seem to like the AK more
uuid-already-exists@reddit
Preference is subjective and you like what you like.
DBDude@reddit
One good thing about it is if you load your own you can go from very soft shooting plinking rounds to total shoulder bruisers. Otherwise, it’s pretty big and the ammo is very expensive. But it will easily take down anything in North America.
Linocoolio999@reddit (OP)
And can it take anything down in Europe
DBDude@reddit
I think you’d have to go to Africa or Asia to start having issues.
Linocoolio999@reddit (OP)
Ok
anothercarguy@reddit
500 grain round will take down an elephant. There are harpoon loads too so I think you have to go back in time for something to have an issue
anothercarguy@reddit
My first rifle (that I actually shoot) was my 45/70 Marlin SBL.
I LOVE MY SBL
It is by far my most shot rifle, I literally don't even shoot my 556 arms. I don't find them fun. My 45/70? Massive fireballs every shot and I love it.
I still don't own a 10/22.
real_witty_username@reddit
What's the purpose of the firearm? That's a much better factor to determine if a cartridge is 'right' or not.
Linocoolio999@reddit (OP)
Shooting range
real_witty_username@reddit
Ok, well just to poke holes in paper anything larger than a .22lr is overkill. I’m not sure what sort of competition you might be referring to so it’d be tough to comment on that part.
The downside to that cartridge is it’s fairly expensive and not super easy to get. Plus it’s not what I would consider a great range fun type of gun because it’s going to get a little fatiguing if you’re shooting a lot of rounds.
A That said, if it’s what you want then go for it. Personally, if I wanted to take a lever gun to the range for fun, it’s going to be a .22. Easy and cheap to shoot.
CajunIF1billion@reddit
You’d get more use out of a .30-30
NoNameJustASymbol@reddit
Not the case for everybody. Some can't use bottlenecks.
Big_Z_Diddy@reddit
Ohio here. Can confirm.
WanderingWino@reddit
I’d say that about a .357/.38 special.
Big_Z_Diddy@reddit
Modern .45-70 ammo has some pretty stout recoil that may be too much for a beginner. If you want a lever-action, I'd suggest a .44 Magnum, it still recoils enough to let you know it's there, but not so much that it will cause you pain (and possibly make you shy away from shooting). You can also shoot .44 Special ammunition out of it.
Driven2b@reddit
Why do you want a lever action?
NoNameJustASymbol@reddit
For me it was simple. I didn't have one. So, I got one, and now have two. They serve different hunting purposes.
Linocoolio999@reddit (OP)
Firstly cause it’s cool and secondly because I’m legally only allowed to own two semi automatic rifles in Germany
Driven2b@reddit
If you want a lever gun for cool factor, then a different caliber might still hit that mark and be a lot cheaper to shoot.
At least in the US, we can get lever guns in 22 long rifle and they're a lot of fun.
Linocoolio999@reddit (OP)
Yeah we also have some .22LR lever actions in Germany (for example: Rossi Rio Bravo) but even after only a few times shooting the .22 it got me pretty bored
Driven2b@reddit
Looking for the thunder of 45-70?
Linocoolio999@reddit (OP)
Yep
Driven2b@reddit
If you want to "ride the lightning" a 12 gauge with heavy loads can also be a helluva ride.
You seem to understand what you're getting into, that recoil is going to be a learning experience.
I'd tell ya to do what you want and have fun with whatever you want.
Linocoolio999@reddit (OP)
My actual goal is to one day shoot a .500 S&W Mag. So I’m thinking the .45-70 should be a nice way to prepare myself
Driven2b@reddit
So that depends. The 500 s&w magnum in the original 10lb revolver is actually pretty nice to shoot.
mfa_aragorn@reddit
Unless you need the power and need to take down specific targets , in my opinion nothing beats 357 Magnum for versatility .
All my guns are for range use and I can go from light 38 sp to heavy 357 if I want to. You have the option to shoot cheap and/or light . I only have revolvers in that caliber , but if I had to get a lever-action that is probably what I would get.
To be 100% honest I started to appreciate more 38 Special for plinking at the range , I dont really like the recoil. Expense wise, if you're reloading , the real difference is the powder charge since 357/38 use the same primers and bullets anyway,
One thing I read/learned recently is that lever actions chambered in 357 , might have issues cycling with the shorter 38 specials . Someone mentioned that for 38 special you might need to reload to a certain length. In my case I would probably get a lever-action chambered in 38 special right away. but that is just me.
DrunkenArmadillo@reddit
Any of the Winchesters that have the similar action to the 1873 will be sensitive on cartridge length. But there is nothing smoother than that action.
img5016@reddit
.45-70 isn’t something I’d recommend for a beginner. 1.)My first point. Even low recoil loadings are up there on the recoil in most rifles chambered in it. As much as I’m of the opinion a good teacher can show you how to shoot a rifle well without developing flinch even .45-70 is not moderate recoiling. 2.) reloading. For a new shooter .45-70 reloading development can be confusing. There are 3 “action strengths” some of these loadings can have loadings for. Sure stick with the weakest loadings for safety but I have seen levers pushing 300gr at 2350 fps but I have also seen a loader hit 2500fps outta stronger actions. It’s this weird “is it strong enough” game you can play and I’m not of the opinion it’s a good place to start reloading. 3.) uses are plenty for this gun. Deer hunting, bear hunting, and scratching the bottom of what I see as an elephant gun. Which stems from the last point of reloading. Loads are diverse, pressure limits as well. But it becomes excessive in some cases for what you will use it for. What do I recommend ? Well for someone who is hunting driven, .30-06 or .270 win for anything in North America. Both have diverse loadings. Defined limits of pressure, and a large factory loading selection. They are tried and true. And will cover most if not all use cases. Now if you are defense driven ? 5.56nato, 9mm para, sorry to the Ak guys but these are common and the guns chambered in them plentiful. Sure I know guys who have hunted deer with these but I tend to side with you can never kill a critter too dead.
istapletapeworm@reddit
45-70 is pretty out dated for everything you'd actually want to use it for. That being said, I really want a bfr.
Mountain_Man_88@reddit
As a BFR owner, I gotta say it's pretty sweet. Only gun in recent memory that made be smile with joy when I handled it at my LGS. LGS actually had a decent price on it too, so I had to take it home. All the fudds hanging around the gun counter said I would break my wrists, but I already reloaded .45-70 so I can make it as week or powerful as I want. Weighing like 5 lbs also eats up plenty of recoil.
istapletapeworm@reddit
That's awesome to hear!
REDACTED3560@reddit
Hell of a brush gun, and there’s nothing in North American I’d think twice about shooting with it. It’s frequently carried by Alaskan guides as a stopping rifle for brown bear, putting it up in the same ballpark as .338 Win Mag and .375 H&H which get used for the same purpose.
With the FTX bullets from Hornady, a good shooter can take it to 200 yards reliably. Make no mistake, .45-70 is lethal to pretty much any distance you can reliably hit your target.
ilikerelish@reddit
That's just with over the counter commercial loading. Pushing my Marlin 1895 to its potential brings it into the realm of the 458 Win mag.
Lanky-Strike3343@reddit
I'd think twice about shooting chipmunk though fucker still wouldn't die
Mountain_Man_88@reddit
With Pedersoli prices, I would just recommend that you get a Marlin for cheaper. The money you save could go to ammo or a reloading set up. .45-70 is easy to reload and offers significant savings.
efish048@reddit
It’s fun but for a first lever a 357/38sp
TristanDuboisOLG@reddit
As someone that bought a Marlin 45-70 as their first rifle, I believe I can speak to this.
It certainly keeps you from having hang ups about recoil or ammo price that someone who starts with an AR-15 might have.
If you hunt a lot, need a brush gun, and don’t want to buy too many rifles, a 45-70 will certainly work.
Note: if you get a but cuff to hold some rounds, make sure it has a strap to go around the back end of the stock. They are made in 2 distinct patterns and the one without the strap will constantly ride up the rifle and become loose because of the recoil.
WhiskeyOverIce@reddit
Yes
ilikerelish@reddit
What is your intent with the rifle? Plinking, small game, big game, cowboy action? That would be the determining factor. If you are going for elk, bear or really big things then the 45-70 would be your best bet. Small to medium or plinking then the 30-30. Plinking and lower end of small game a pistol caliber carbine. For cowboy action whatever you are most comfortable with and meets the reqs of the event.
Kevthebassman@reddit
No, it’s a very poor choice for a beginner. Your first rifle should be easy to shoot and cheap to practice with.
jychihuahua@reddit
I shoot BPCP Silhouette competitions with a 45-70 high wall. I love it. Its a deep rabbit hole. not cheap. not easy. But it is very fun and rewarding. 45-70 is expensive, even if you reload. If its what you're into, get it! Pedersoli makes some beautiful rifles...
Linocoolio999@reddit (OP)
And for anyone wondering I was thinking about getting either a Boarbuster, a Guide Master or a Hunter light.
Interesting_Fee_1947@reddit
If it’s what you want just get it. Stick to trap door loads and you won’t have a ton of recoil. .45-70 is pretty expensive so unless money doesn’t matter you’ll probably shoot it less.
For example, a Ruger 10/22 is cheap and fun as hell. And you can get 5k .22lr for like $250-$300, or 5k 45-70 for about $7,000.
But the .22lr wasn’t in Jurassic Park, the .45-70 was 😉
Linocoolio999@reddit (OP)
Yeah I was also thinking about getting a CZ 457 Jaguar
d3rp_diggler@reddit
I’d hold off until you have more experience with 30-cal rifles. Ideally you should get a .223 or 5.56 as a first rifle just to not have to worry about recoil, then move onto a .308, then consider a .45-70. Depending on the specific rifle, they have some serious recoil and for a new shooter can undermine developing proper technique.
WanderingWino@reddit
I’d say .270 or .30-06 for what they are aiming for.
MotivatedSolid@reddit
For what exactly?
Unless you're hunting buffalo, no. It's stupid expensive and has some proper kick to it.
You'd be happy with either .357 mag, .44 mag, or .30-30.
throcksquirp@reddit
45-70 can lead you down the rabbit holes of handloading, bullet casting and long range competition. Pedersoli 1874 Sharps replicas are well made and accurate. Their weight make the 45-70's recoil manageable. Lighter lever action guns are unpleasant with all but the lightest loads.
grizzlyit@reddit
No not at all, if you’re not an experienced shooter big bore heavy recoiling is exactly what you don’t want and will cause you to developed bad habits in anticipation of recoil, if you specifically want a lever action and it’s just for rage plinking get a rimfire or a pistol caliber lever action
Riker557118@reddit
Not particularly, the older bp spec loads aren't bad in a rifle but modern loads may lead to a beginner developing a bit of a flinch.