I was at my favorite gun shop today and Bill, the owner came out with a brand new in the box 1885 Ldt Edition in 45-70. It is a Cowboy model or like it. It has a 26 inch barrel. I held this Beautiful gun in my hands and was smitten. I have to get this rifle. He wants 650.00 $ It's a 2001 rifle that he had in his back room and never taken out that often. My question is this. Is this a fair price ?

30-30 Man

30-30 Man,

I believe the 1895 Limited Edition had an octogonal barrel near the receiver which went to a round barrel at the end. i.e. half octagonal/half round. It also has a pistol grip and the barrel length is 24". I think the stock and forearm are checkered too. I looked at one of these and they wanted somewhere near $650, maybe as much as $699. I was tempted to get this one, but I really like the Cowboy. $650 is probably a fair price. I've heard a lot of good things about this one, but before you buy it, at least check out the 1895 Cowboy.

The 1895 Cowboy (which is what I have) has the full octagonal barrel with 26" length. It has smooth stocks (no checkering) and has the straight stock. The stock and forearm are not as wide (thick) as the other 1895s. The butt pad is about 1/4" hard plastic (already replace that). The length of pull was too short for me, so I added a limb-saver recoil pad. I haven't shot it yet, but hope to this weekend. Average price around here is $600, but if you look real hard you can find one for about $535. This one's on the Marlin Website so you can go check it out. The bullet tube goes all the way to the end of the barrel. It will hold 9 in the tube pluse 1 in the chamber. More then I really need, but it makes the gun look cool.


Joe

Thanks Joe
I am going back to take another look and see just whit this Marlin really is. I was so taken back by this rifle that I really didn't look at the Model.



30-30 Man

I have a 1895 LTD V, in 45-70, that I paid about $550 for NIB. It is a great rifle. Also have a 1895GS, but I like the LTD more.
I had to send it back to Marlin three times though because the bore had constrictions where it went from octagonal to round and at the front sight. Worse to me was that the barrel seemd pitted. It took 3 times to get a good barrel from Marlin, but they took care of me. They even buffed out a scratch that I had made on the reciever-no charge.
I fire lapped the barrel (Beartooth) and it shoots 1" groups with some loads when I do my part.
I think $650 was list for ths rifle but you should be able to get it for less on line. On the other hand if you can run a tight patch through the barrel to check for constrictions and check for pitting it may be worth $650 to not have to risk all the sending back to the factory.

I have a Marlin LTDIII. 45/70, 18 1/2" octagon bbl., full length mag. tube, straight stock w/o checkering. Made in 2000. Found in gunshop last year NIB. Paid $565 for it. Excellent rifle, no flaws. Not for sale at any price!!!!