Winchester '86 or Marlin Guide Gun 45-70 foorbHunting Trip

[mbaneacp]

We're thinking of filming a musk ox hunt in Greenland at the suggestion of Ivan Carter. I thought a 45-70 might fit the bill pretty well. I could scope the Guide Gun, but the Winchester is beautiful. Conversely, I have had for a decade or so a Marlin Cowboy in .44 Magnum...with Garrets, that might get me there.

Thoughts?

Michael B

[magnumwheelman]

what is your expected shooting distance???

[Ken O'Neill]

I would probably be more inclined to use the Guide Gun, scoped, but that's only because of my aged eyesight, and the fact that I would shoot it better. I would be more concerned with the load. Even though distances will likely be rather short, remember that Musk Ox will band together, facing outboard, as a protective tactic, once alerted.Over penetration could be a problem

[AxeHandle]

My old head may have a fogged up memory but isn't the '86 receiver significantly larger than the Marlin? Unless a man is looking for a good excuse to buy a Winchester, I'd grab a Marlin. Ask JT. We all know to expect him to say, "Both."

[princeout]

I'm with Ken on this one. If I'm carrying it around all day, a scoped Guide Gun gets my vote. Shortened to 16" barrel would be even better. Loaded with Jae Bok's 550 gr Crater, it will make an impact on both your shoulder and your target.
Tim

[jgt]

A Marlin 444 using a 290 grain cast bullet. Flatter shooting and plenty of knock down power. Besides the 444 needs the publicity to get Remington off their backside to start making them again like they keep saying they are going to do.

[dmize]

Im pretty sure the 86 is bigger. I would go with the Guide Gun. Balances very well an can be loaded from factory Trap Door stuff to T Rex type. I too would go for a scope,I have a 3x9 on mine...Ill take precision over aesthetics any day. Ken did make a very valid point on herd reactions,sounds like one of those "been there,done that" observations.

[foxtrapper]

Mike pm sent

[cherokeetracker]

Michael,
The Garretts will not fit or I should say they will not cycle in the 44 mag rifle. Unless yours has some mods that I don't know about. The 45-70 has proved to be able to take care of a lot of big game. It could get a nod, But of course part of this is going to depend upon what you have available or prefer to take.
How soon is this going to take place?
I am curious about the yardage ? Has anyone said what to expect?

Charles

[brionic]

Michael, my choice would be the Guide Gun. As much as I love the '86, the Marlin lends a pragmatism to the heavy hitting .45-70 in a svelte -er (!!) package. I REALLY like the drop in Wild West trigger, and of course the necessary aperture sights, but an XS rail and low power scope would be nifty, too. Would a RDS be heresy? It would be a fast handling powerhouse, in any event.

My 16.5" Marlin .44, setup like I described above, is my traveling gun for going behind the Golden Curtain, and I keep it loaded with Hornady 300 gr. XTPs for serious use. You might be impressed with their performance, but it depends on your own factors.

I'm looking forward to that hunt, and all your new projects coming down the pike.

[450ak]

Winchester 1886 extra lightweight with an aperture rear sight.

[shortbarrel]

I would lean toward the guide gun but with a ghost ring rear sight and a stout front sight of your choice.Scope lenses can easily fog,just from your breath,in sub-zero temperatures and equipment gets bounced around quite a bit on long sled rides over rough ice.Distances should be relatively short and about the worst that can happen with a sturdy ghost ring,is getting some snow in the aperture and you can blow that out and be right back in business.Lots of musk ox are killed with bows.