Josmund

There's a local gun auction next weekend with a whole bunch of 45-70 on the sale bill. I was thinking of checking it out to troll for a bargain.

I'm sure they will range from very expensive to reasonable. Any thoughts on this style of shooting. I'm not set up for reloading which I understand is mandatory due the cost of loaded cartridges.

What should I look for as an entry level gun? Any other advice?

Thoughts in general?

bronko22000

If you want a good solid repeater you can't go wrong with a Marlin 1895. The Win 1886's will probably cost you a bundle or Win 1885s the same. For single shots a great one is the Ruger #1, Browning 78 or the newer 1885. The Win 1885s will cost you more. The 1873 springfields will be either reasonable or expensive depending on the vintage or documented history.
I love the .45-70. Its a great old hard hitting cartridge. And ammo isn't too costly for it. So if you don't plan on shooting too much you will be OK. Besides the .45-70 isn't a 'plinker' anyway. Now if you do reload and get one of the more modern rifles you can really stoke it up. Factory loads are mild so they don'[t blow up the old springfields.

bigboomer

I have 2 45-70's, a Buffalo Classic and an Encore 15 inch pistol. I reload for both and love to shoot em.

bronko22000

I have a Browning 78, Marlin 1895 Guide Gun, and a Magnum Research BFR. I would still like to someday own a Winchester 1886.

adam2000

If you want a good solid repeater you can't go wrong with a Marlin 1895.

Muley Hunter

If your pockets are deep. Get a Sharps.

bronko22000

I've handled the Sharps and although they are a great rifle and full of nostalgia they just feel too "blocky" for me. I prefer the sleeker lines of the other single shots like the Win 1885 High Wall or Browning 78.

Semisane

I agree Bronko. I have a Browning 1885 in 45-70 and think it is the classiest looking rifle ever made.

Another of the old classics I like is the Remington Rolling Block. Don't have one of those in rifle configuration, but do have a .357 Rolling Block pistol. One day I'll stumble on a good deal on a rifle - I hope, I hope, I hope.

Muley Hunter

Yeah, but it's a Sharps.

I don't really like the way a Hawken fits me, BUT it's a Hawken!

bronko22000

Well whatever trips your trigger and makes you happy. I just don't like the way a Sharps feels in my hands.