Marlin 1895GS Guide Gun .45-70 Gov’t Lever-Action Rifle (Stainless Steel): Rugged Power for the Real Outdoors

Marlin 1895GS Guide Gun 45/70 Lever Action Rifle with Stainless Steel. When you’re heading deep into the wild—where weather turns in an instant and every ounce of gear must earn its keep—you need a rifle that delivers no-compromise performance, dependability, and rugged resilience. Enter the Marlin 1895GS Guide Gun .45-70 Government Lever-Action Rifle with Stainless Steel. Built for backcountry hunters, wilderness guides, and survival-minded adventurers, this rifle is compact, corrosion-resistant, and chambered in a round with real stopping power.

From the thick forests of the Pacific Northwest to the unforgiving terrain of Alaska, the Marlin 1895GS Guide Gun is the kind of firearm you stake your safety—and success—on. With its stainless steel construction, large-loop lever, and quick-handling profile, this rifle is ready for the harshest conditions North America can throw at it.

Overview: A Guide’s Best Friend in Bear Country

The Marlin 1895GS is a variation of the well-loved 1895G Guide Gun, but with a key upgrade—stainless steel construction for improved resistance to the elements. Designed to be as durable as it is powerful, the 1895GS maintains the fast-handling characteristics of its blued sibling while offering extra peace of mind in humid, wet, or coastal environments where corrosion is a constant concern.

It combines the classic look and feel of an American lever-action with the muscle of the .45-70 Government cartridge and modern features like a side-eject receiver, drilled-and-tapped optics mounting, and a recoil-absorbing pad—making it as practical as it is iconic.

Key Features and Benefits Marlin 1895GS Guide Gun 45/70 Lever Action Rifle with Stainless Steel

Let’s take a deep dive into what makes the Marlin 1895GS such a favorite among outdoorsmen and professional guides.

1. Powerful .45-70 Government Chambering

There’s no mistaking the heritage and power behind the .45-70 Government cartridge. Developed in 1873, this round has evolved from black powder loads to high-performance, modern big-bore cartridges capable of stopping large, dangerous game at close to moderate ranges.

The 1895GS can handle a wide spectrum of ammunition, from:

• Cowboy action loads for soft recoil and target shooting
• Medium-weight hunting rounds for deer, elk, or hogs
• Heavy hard-cast or bonded loads designed for deep penetration on bears or moose

Whether you’re stalking in brush, riding the timberline, or keeping watch in camp, the .45-70 Gov’t ensures you’re never undergunned.

2. Durable Stainless Steel Construction

The standout feature of the 1895GS is its full stainless steel barrel and receiver, making it incredibly resilient against rust, pitting, and the corrosive effects of rain, snow, salt air, or sweat.

This is not just cosmetic—this is field durability. Whether your rifle is slung across your back during a downpour or stored in a floatplane in humid weather, the stainless steel finish helps ensure it performs flawlessly when needed.

3. Compact 18.5-Inch Barrel Marlin 1895GS Guide Gun 45/70 Lever Action Rifle with Stainless Steel

The short 18.5-inch barrel makes the Marlin 1895GS ideal for:

• Quick handling in thick brush or tight spaces
• Easy carry over long hikes
• Fast shouldering for snap shots on moving game

Despite the shorter barrel, it retains excellent ballistic performance with most .45-70 loads and still offers good accuracy out to 150–200 yards—more than enough for most big-game hunting.

4. American Walnut Stock with Straight Grip

Marlin hasn’t abandoned tradition. The 1895GS features a beautiful straight-grip walnut stock that gives it a classic, rugged look while ensuring a firm, comfortable hold in any condition.

• Cut checkering on the grip and fore-end enhances handling.
• The recoil pad helps soften the thump of full-power loads.
• The straight grip design aids fast mounting and control.

The natural wood combined with the stainless finish gives this rifle a refined, functional look that stands out in any collection—but truly shines in the wild.

5. Big Loop Lever for Gloved Use

The 1895GS features a large-loop lever, making it ideal for operation with gloves or cold-weather gear. Whether you’re hunting in frigid temperatures or wearing tactical gloves for safety and speed, the big loop ensures you can cycle rounds quickly and reliably.

6. Sight System and Optics Ready

The Marlin 1895GS comes with a traditional and dependable sight setup:

• Adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight
• Hooded front sight with a brass bead

These are great for fast target acquisition in dense brush or low-light environments. For those who want to extend their reach or improve precision, the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts—perfect for adding a scout scope, red dot, or traditional optic.

Performance and Real-World Application

1. Big Game Hunting

With the right loads, the Marlin 1895GS is a devastatingly effective hunting rifle. It’s perfect for:

• Black bear
• Brown bear
• Moose
• Elk
• Boar
• Whitetail and mule deer

In brush-heavy terrain where shots happen quickly and space is limited, the 1895GS excels. It offers quick follow-ups, powerful ballistics, and the maneuverability needed for dense woods or mountain hunts.

2. Wilderness Defense Marlin 1895GS Guide Gun 45/70 Lever Action Rifle with Stainless Steel

For backcountry guides, outfitters, and solo adventurers, the 1895GS offers serious defensive capability against dangerous wildlife.

Whether you’re camped in grizzly country or traveling remote trails, the Marlin Guide Gun is a trusted companion for when things go wrong.

3. Recreational and Practical Shooting

Thanks to the availability of lighter .45-70 loads, the 1895GS is also enjoyable at the range. It offers an engaging and satisfying shooting experience, and for reloaders, it opens up a wide variety of options to tailor performance.

Specifications: Marlin 1895GS Guide Gun

Who Should Choose the Marlin 1895GS?

This rifle is ideal for shooters who need:

• A powerful, compact rifle for big game
• Maximum corrosion resistance for harsh environments
• Quick handling in dense brush or close quarters
• Reliable backup in bear country
• Classic looks with modern ruggedness

It’s built for:

• Guides and outfitters
• Hunters in wet or coastal regions
• Alaska adventurers
• Ranchers and rural landowners
• Collectors who use their firearms

Marlin 1895GS vs. 1895G

While both are outstanding rifles, the 1895GS is the better choice for moisture-prone or coastal environments. If you live or hunt in a dry region, the blued version still offers great value and style.

Built for the Wild, Trusted by the Tough

The Marlin 1895GS Guide Gun isn’t just another lever-action. It’s a purpose-built tool designed for people who live, work, or hunt in challenging conditions. Its compact profile, stainless steel durability, and hard-hitting .45-70 performance make it a trusted companion in the most demanding environments.

Whether you’re packing it for a remote Alaskan moose hunt, using it for bear defense on the trail, or simply looking for a big-bore rifle that’s as rugged as the land you roam, the 1895GS delivers.

It’s tough. It’s timeless. And when the

moment comes, it gets the job done.