Is This The Best Rifle For Alaska?

[@populustremula7496]

I floated a lot of different rivers in western Alaska fishing for salmon in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s and carried a short barrel Remington 870 12 gauge. I had some close encounters with grizzlies but never had to shoot one, thank god. At the range I began to feel threatened I always felt I had the right weapon for personal defense. Bushwhacking through thick alders along a river when the salmon were running thick was about the scariest thing you can imagine because you knew if you encountered a bear it was going to be really close. I loaded it so the first two shots would be slugs and every shot after that would be buckshot figuring I’d be so pumped up on adrenaline that aiming wasn’t what was going to be happening.

[@ovrdedge4010]

Years back, I walked into my local gun store, fell in love with a Marlin Classic 1894 in .44 Mag. Bought it on a whim for I think about $400 or so. Such a nice looking gun it became a safe queen. Had the JM barrel stamp which meant nothing to me at the time. Fast foreword 25+ years and I decided to sell it. Put it on gunbroker and that JM barrel stamp became important. 11 bids and $1,700 later, I sold it. It’s been a long time and I still miss it, but $1,700 is hard to say no too. Heard Marlin has had its ups and downs since then. Used to make some fine guns so I hope they’ve found their way. Thanks for the big bore show case, Hickok45, thoroughly enjoyed!

[@45-70Guy]

It’s hard to say no to the money but I never say no to an old marlin!

[@stephenwatts985]

Love the sound of it. Speaks like it means business.

[@purebredamericanmutt]

That's a pretty gun. Love the stock with the stainless

[@prof113]

Agreed. Such a great look.

[@reyray7184]

Marlin makes one hell of a firearm.

[@davidhinricksen9873]

They do now that river owns them

[@ElDiabeticoFino]

@@davidhinricksen9873RUGER

[@TODinWY]

@@davidhinricksen9873 I think you mean RUGER.

[@45-70Guy]

The rugers are very nice, the JM originals are also very nice. The Remington made ones that I have, also they are very nice as far as a hunting rifle is concerned. They had some quality issues but I only experienced it on cosmetics and not on functionality.

[@tbix1963]

That’s funny, couldn’t watch the video until you posted it. Really crazy especially since I like 45 70 leaver action rifles so much. Thanks again for sharing such a beautiful piece of Americana.

[@starlingblack814]

Thanks Hickok45 for the review. I had one of these Marlins with a longer barrel. Loved the rifle, but shooting it would not chamber the next round and had to take it appart to clear the jam. If you didn't fire it would cycle fine. Never could figure what was wrong with it so had to get rid of it. Kind of like a relationship gone bad.

[@matthewellis2673]

I had one that broke the ejector because of feeding problems I think. They replaced it, but cycling rounds never smoothed up.

[@concernedcanadian8460]

That's where bolt action is nice. So simple to disassemble, clean, and clear.

[@texasyotehunter2964]

I’ve got the Marlin SBL and really like it. It does a number on black bears, coyotes and hogs. Great caliber. Great rifle. And that’s an excellent video.

[@sasquatch907]

My good man,you are an American icon…..thank you.🇺🇸

[@kodiakkeith]

I lived on Kodiak most of my life and that was my rifle! Or, at least my rifle for activities that didn't involve hunting. It doesn't have the range you want for picking off a blacktail deer at any great distance. There is an outfit in Anchorage that sells "Ghost Ring" sights just for that rifle and give you target acquisition as fast as a shotgun.They screw into the two holes at the rear of the receiver and the rifle isn't complete without them. Remove the rear sight already on there. I won't mention the name of the outfit that makes them because YT will likely delete the post as an advert, but if you search for 'ghost ring sight' and 'anchorage' you will find it.

[@subdawg1331]

I bought a 1895 in 4570 years ago traded then 20 years later got the same rifle back ...

[@cabellhildreth3937]

Alaska resident here. This is true

[@Ron-Swanson]

338 win mag is a far superior cartridge.

[@royjohnson465]

@Ron-Swanson ~ SAKO stainless~steel “bolt-action” in 300 or 338 Win. Mag. with a detachable magazine is better. Also I really do hate tubular magazines. ~ Browning BAR use to have a “semi-auto” 338 Win. Mag. but they discontinued it. Now still available is the Browning BAR MK 3 - OVIX (031072229) factory Cerakote finish, “semi-auto” in 300 Win. Mag. using 180 to 220 grain bullets, with a detachable magazine.

[@royjohnson465]

SAKO stainless~steel “bolt-action” in 300 or 338 Win. Mag. with a detachable magazine is better. Also I really do hate tubular magazines. ~ Browning BAR use to have a “semi-auto” 338 Win. Mag. but they discontinued it. Now still available is the Browning BAR MK 3 - OVIX (031072229) factory Cerakote finish, “semi-auto” in 300 Win. Mag. using 180 to 220 grain bullets, with a detachable magazine.

[@Ron-Swanson]

@ I use a 338 win mag with 220 grain Barnes when I’m in bad grizzly country. First hand experience… game over. Shot placement is by far the most important part of this whole scenario however why not have the best tool for the job, best cartridge for Elk as well.

[@royjohnson465]

@Ron-Swanson ~ That is very interesting and I do agree with you that a 338 Win. Mag. is a best choice as an overall balance between grizzlies and elk (and moose). A 375 H&H might be better for grizzlies but not as good for elk and moose. I live in grizzly country and there is a full body mount grizzly about 150 meters (yards) from my home. My late dad has shot 3 grizzlies since 1954. About 25 kilometers (15 miles) from here just over a year ago a local fellow and his girlfriend were charged by a grizzly and 3 two year old cubs. It was shot in the mouth and killed with a 300 Win. Mag. and the 3 cubs scattered. My uncle and 1st cousin were put up a tree by a grizzly. I am in western Canada. ~ They both have the same amount of powder and the same sized case. So what do you think is better:: a 300 Win. Mag. with a 220 grain bullet “or a” 338 Win. Mag. with a 220 grain bullet??

[@lindenarden667]

"Dang ole BOOM, man!" Jeffrey Dexter Boomhauer III

[@MichaelSisley-fw3xr]

"Boomhauer, I tell you what, 45-70 is a powerful American cartridge" Hank Hill

[@lindenarden667]

PEGGY- "Is that thing loaded!?!?!?" COTTON'- "Well, Hank's wife... You don't give a toy without batteries!"

[@stormlakebobcat9058]

This thread is hilarious. Thanks gentlemen 😅

[@franciskowalsky7574]

Hickok you have THE BEST videos on anywhere.

[@cpaoutdoors9926]

I have the original marlin guide gun 45/70 18 inch ported barrel half tube mag shooting 400 gr speer hot cores extremely accurate bought it in 1997

[@jameswright6839]

Damn, that's the gun I wanted but didn't need since I live in Missouri, so I bought my 1968 Marlin 336C .35 Rem in 1984. Love it, deer hate it. Never got to use it on Black bear yet.

[@Dachvidful]

I am grateful that I can see you evaluate these in the safety of your own range. I do not have that as readily available to me. Good on you sir.

[@chipandrews2892]

Yep, being an Alaskan...I love this rifle and caliber! Goes with me everywhere I go.

[@JD-tn5lz]

Cheechako. Anchorage or Valley? Neither place is Alaska. Why do I say that? No rural Alaskan is going to shove that pretty little gun into a boot on a Honda (that's bush for ATV, by the way), or drop into the bottom of a boat, or over his shoulder on a rainy day to tromp through brush and rock. Lever guns aren't bad, but cheap 870s are what you see mostly in rural Alaska for bear pro and survival guns.

[@philstercaddy8855]

Nice rifle! I have an original Marlin guide gun SS with the porting on it. What are the differences between this and the guide gun

[@dagglock7615]

Yet another great video!! You were saying it's cold there? Last week the low temp was -22 F here in Wisconsin.

[@akbychoice]

That feels warm after a week at -50.

[@Grasshopper0122]

Good stuff, Hickok45. As a bit of a side issue, I have to chuckle when the purest refer to the wood stocks , etc, as FURNITURE. 😂 I have “furniture” in my house……a couch…..chair…..ottoman. But if I can’t sit or lay on it, IT JUST AIN’T FURNITURE !! Sorry, girls…..😅😂

[@kentreichow7567]

Those trappers are the best

[@jandorcaptain4103]

i really like the reloading sound

[@RobB-z8o]

Beautiful rifle ... want one so bad..

[@tobingallawa3322]

Very pretty furniture on it I have always wanted a .44 lever action carbine, revolver combo

[@SuperTommox]

Lever-action riffles always look so clean

[@chuckoaks6756]

I had a marlin in 45-70 but a standard length. Hard on my wimpy shoulder.

[@kurtwise7356]

You're lucky! You have freezing temps but at least you're not up to your butt in snow like we are in Northern Michigan!

[@SamFugarino]

Love them lever guns

[@paulynotshore7006]

Very nice rifle there!...

[@DeltaLimaActual-t2o]

The 45-70 is a grand old cartridge , tried and true. But it packs a serious punch up to medium range (300 yards). There is a reason the US miliitary moved to the 30-06 because of it's better longer range performance. But for an all around cartridge, the 45-70 is still it as long as your shoulder can still handle it.

[@talkingrock7011]

Excellent rifle mine is in 450 Marlin

[@dave-d-grunt]

I have the .450 GG with ported barrel. Love it! Great rifle!

[@kevinparker3845]

Life is good!

[@jeroldpickard947]

I have my dad's 444 it's a great rifle

[@martymcpeak4748]

it's a beautiful rifle for sure and that round hits really hard. Cheers

[@MutantBoar]

Im Alaskan and I got alot of ice in my lawn giving me alot of weird looks. I might have to pick one of these up. Thanks Hickock.

[@chrisgabbert658]

It’s my fault I thought the other day you needed to bring the STP out for some exercise. 😊👍

[@uwe25]

top rifle for every situation!.. and a beauty!…👍🏻

[@jccorder1]

You almost sound like a science teacher in this video. If you only had a 45/70 revolver to go with your Marlin.

[@kimmorrison9169]

good lookin rifle that packs a wallop!

[@freeworld-i3t]

We love them here in AR for brush guns on whitetail. They don't get back up

[@JohnSmith-f6o]

I bet you can hear that beast loud and clear when it speaks! :)

[@danoneill2846]

Good choice

[@stormlakebobcat9058]

What an ice video to watch. Very cool and solid. 😅

[@Vulpes_Inculta]

Patrolling the Alaskan brush makes you wish for a Marlin Guide Gun. 🤠

[@craigthescott5074]

This would be a cool lever gun in 500 Mag.

[@jeffholton6587]

.50 Alaskan an b&m Alaskan two different lever guns in .50

[@mathewmue5547]

Gotta try the new sbl with a suppressor! It's super soft shooter

[@jakemccarrey]

Alaska resident here. It’s definitely welcome to join the arsenal of “Alaskan artillery.”

[@Fang_Face]

I got lucky and stumbled upon a JM barrel stainless .450 Marlin. That is a great “Alaska rifle”.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

Tuff customer right there. 🤠💥💥

[@christoFlair777]

The ice 🧊 man!! MR! H!! 😎awesomeness

[@RickNethery]

Good bear gun. 👍

[@oldschool6798]

Don’t forget a good recoil pad.😂

[@UtubeH8tr]

Won't do levers anymore outside of range time. Beautiful gun, but I'm not trusting my life on them. Thank you for the insight though.

[@nickmc1975]

i hate the new threaded extended barrels they look weird. I wish they would make this model again.

[@CashGravel]

Love that gun but for Alaska you need the oversized loop for your gloves

[@tolarpowell5069]

Interesting way of making crushed ice. I've wanted one of those rifles since they first came out. (Sigh) I'll never get one.

[@JD-tn5lz]

Uh no. Not just no, but hell NO. Over twenty-five years Alaskan LEO here. Nearly all of it rural. What you will see in far more campsites, over backpacker's shoulders, and in bush planes is a Rem 870 or Mossy. With Brenneke slugs they'll drop any threat or take any game within range. Sorry folks, there are some distant shots to be made in Alaska, but not many unless you're a sheep hunter or a fool. Plus, and another reason you see them in the bush, a shottie can get you a bird. Usually the only people you see carrying lever actions are a minority of professional guides and new arrivals to Alaska (usually Anchorage types) who are still pretty ignorant. Essentially, unless you're a professional guide, that lever action screams "cheechako."

[@randythomas3478]

I say ole chap..... exceptionally nice!

[@paliacho9]

Barrel is only 10" to short for the cartridge.

[@tjstevens001]

That's a beauty!

[@JoseCalderon-qx8mq]

Did Kevin Holland make an appearance on Hickok45?

[@sonofagalwayman6553]

i hear there is a large gang of plastic bottles threatening alaska, and hard to see in the snow, how affective is this gun if they rush you, would it be wise to take some panic shooting training?

[@robertarthurs328]

Minus 30s in my home state. Sufficient for hard water

[@MrGiantSwede]

That's a cool gun dude.

[@tjstevens001]

Can you put that in your back pocket? Lol!!

[@thomasd9237]

It's very nice 👍

[@gavinlamp5426]

The Velociraptor Trapper

[@shawngreenlee5238]

I have a gs model 45/70 great bear gun

[@achap6376]

I bought one and sold almost as fast. I had purchased it for a reason, brown bear defense as a gun I kept on my 6x6 while cutting trail in Alaska. Would fail to pick up a second round after the first would fire, locking the lever in a forward position. Only way to fix was to pry out the round with a screw driver. No thanks, even if fixed I would never trust again.

[@glenncabot7994]

I love mine, it’s a tack driver.

[@ClaudeBohls]

Wow that’s a hammer

[@HoulieMon]

Kind of liked Scotts 458 win AR ! The country is on ICE also !

[@randythomas3478]

I see you have plenty of cushioning sir!

[@jerryjennings4504]

Nice rifle

[@gunman-6646]

That's pretty cool

[@iiiiiiiiiiiiiii6407]

Beautiful Gun BooYa BooYa 😬👍🏆

[@minuteofcan]

Pretty sweet

[@nickbaugh2034]

That thing's built like a brick shithouse❤.. that gun alone makes a man want to move to Alaska

[@Pithead]

Hefty rounds.

[@guycalgary7800]

Who has the mining rights to that hill in the future ?

[@jerryjohnson4618]

👍👍

[@oreopuppydawg1564]

SBL here

[@observingyt6159]

So what are these worth now?

[@williammurray1341]

But can you carry it across Canada to Alaska?

[@robm2199]

So far, yes

[@jakematthewpenfield]

Ice ice baby

[@roygorman6624]

I hope you don’t shoot your bear in the foot, even if it is frozen!

[@Ron-Swanson]

The 338 win mag is the actual guid gun calibre of choice in Alaska.

[@jameswright6839]

Yes. When .338 came out Ruger flooded the market up there with the M77 Hawkeye. Hunters/Guides loved them.

[@Ron-Swanson]

@@jameswright6839 I’m one of them lmao

[@stormlakebobcat9058]

You can pop off 2 shots faster with a lever than you can a bolt action

[@lurebenson7722]

@@stormlakebobcat9058 Fast means nothing and when I've had to save my life and a client from a wounded brown bear speed meant nothing over well placed shot to kill the bears or put the bear down to drive in a kill shot. My 338 win mag served me for years then came the CZ 550 in 9.3x62 Mauser that was far more lethal on large Alaskan animals . I now have a new AR 10 in 375-300 WSM that no other rifle compares to the auto loader

[@kenycharles8600]

That's a dandy!

[@timetraveler1973]

probably. maybe a cut down m-14 or t hat.. but yeah. you can just take that 45-70 and keep a cheap ol 6.5'' heritage rough ryder with 22lr and 22 win mag cyllinders in it for things smaller than dinosaurs and bears. (dinosaurs still exist)

[@doronstauber7285]

1000 years from now, Archeologists investigating the Compound will determine that some Major Defensive Battle took place in Range 1 and Range 2, with massive attacks coming from downrange. Imagine how much ""lead"" has been sent down range both....

[@chiefjoseph8154]

Shouldn’t we have a “state” rifle for every state? Like a flag, or bird, or flower?

[@rongarrett1366]

It's over $1000 today.

[@Libbys_biggest_fan]

. Y E S .

[@mikec4114]

I'm sure that doesn't kick very much

[@hamnose]

WTH is FAQ54?

[@tonybennett638]

Wind river rifle brother..

[@RobertPeru-q7k]

You need to smoke more pots!

[@concernedcanadian8460]

They only made 500, which makes it extra cool. But why did they only make 500?!

[@edb3877]

Under-estimated the market demand?

[@ElJeFe556]

Are we not allowed to say ICE on youtube now???

[@ericvonp]

Hopefully, you’ve even been to Alaska.