In preparation for my buying a M1895 in 45/70, i borrowed my father-in-laws today. Had a great time with it. I asked him about the age of the gun. He said "got it when they first came out, about 1975". The serial number is B006XXX. I looked it up on the chart on the following link, but can't seem to find the right year.
http://www.lts.net/~aw/homepage/datingamarlin001.html

Any one have more info?

Thx

Probably the first year of manufacture, 1972, with the regular rifling (non-microgroove now called Ballard).

It was ballard rifling. looked down the muzzle while cleaning, and you could see the six grooves. Of course, no cross bolt safety either

I had one of the ballard rifled ones a few years back. I think all were 1972 manufacture. It shot well, but not as well as my new one. The new one is a full magazine so a little heavier and thats probably the only reason.

Doc,

I'm getting a new one. Thats what all this si about. Standard 22". Have looked at used LTD vs, but trying to keep my costs down. Know I won't go Guide Gun.

If you like the 1895 with the 22" barrel, but prefer the straight stock and squared lever of the 1895G, you can get an 1895G and send it to Marlin and they will put a 22" barrel on it for a nominal charge. The next step would be to replace the brick on the butt with a real recoil pad.

Don't have great need for either straight or pistol grip. mY 30-30 is pistol, so will probably stick with that. I had a blast shootnig the 45-70. Rems with 300 gr HP. But I will absolutley replace the "brick" as you mention. Any suggestions for a goo replacement recoil pad?

VA

The Pachmayr Decelerator and the Kick-Ezz are a couple that work well. The pre-fit ones usually won't fit just right (some people luck out) and you need to order the correct one for your stock.

Measure the length and width of your stock, then order the next biggest and cut down. Easily done with a belt sander, and following the included instructions.

Put a brown Decelerator on my 1895LTD1 and am quite pleased with efficiency and appearance.

Don't have great need for either straight or pistol grip. mY 30-30 is pistol, so will probably stick with that. I had a blast shootnig the 45-70. Rems with 300 gr HP. But I will absolutley replace the "brick" as you mention. Any suggestions for a goo replacement recoil pad?
VA

I'm a fan of the strap-on recoil pad that attaches to the shooter as opposed to aftermarket pads that attach to the gun. IMO, the benefits are multiple: one recoil pad for multiple guns, gun retains that 100% factory original look which often helps with resale value--especially if you plan to remove some wood to keep the length-of-pull the same with a thicker pad.

I have an 1895 (22") in 45/70 and I went with a Bob Allen strap-on pad.

For replacement pads, I've heard good things about LimbSaver and Decelerator pads, here and elsewhere.

HTH,
Tom G

Much appreciated, all. I have seen a few positive comments on Pachyderm, both Decelerator and Triple Mag for big bores.