Best .45-70 Rifles (2026): Henry, Marlin, S&W & More

The best .45-70 rifles take a cartridge the U.S. Army adopted in 1873 and put it in handy, modern rifles that will still flatten anything in North America inside 200 yards. The .45-70 Government throws big, heavy bullets, typically 300 to 405 grains and up to 430 grains in hard-cast bear loads, and it does it from rifles short and light enough to carry all day in thick timber. That combination is why guides in bear country, hog hunters, and lever-gun fans keep coming back to it.

Most .45-70 rifles are lever actions, led by the Marlin 1895, the Henry big-bore line, and newer entries from Smith & Wesson and Rossi. We also include a single-shot break-action, because it is the cheapest accurate way into the cartridge. Modern loads such as Hornady LEVERevolution and Federal HammerDown have stretched the .45-70’s useful range, and every rifle here can be scoped or fitted with a peep sight.

We ranked these rifles on Digest testing first. Our writers have reviewed the Henry H24 Signature, Henry All-Weather, Marlin 1895 SBL, Marlin Dark Series 1895, Marlin 1895GBL, and Traditions GII Outfitter, and we link every review. The Smith & Wesson Model 1854 and Rossi R95 in .45-70 are covered from launch news, and we say so. Every price is labeled as MSRP at launch or the price at the time of review. For the broader lever-gun market, see our best lever-action rifles guide.

Start with the buyer’s guide if you are new to the cartridge, or jump straight to the picks.

Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best .45-70 Rifles In 2026

A .45-70 is a specialized tool. Match the rifle to how you will hunt and how much recoil you are willing to absorb.

Barrel Length And Handling

Barrels on this list run from about 16 to 22 inches. The 16-inch guns, such as the Marlin Dark Series and S&W 1854 Stealth Hunter, are quick in brush and easy to carry, but they give up some velocity and add muzzle blast. Our Henry H24 reviewer called its 20-inch barrel an excellent mix of capacity and handling. Longer barrels add a little velocity and make the rifle steadier from a rest.

Recoil And Load Choice

Full-power .45-70 loads hit hard. Our Marlin SBL reviewer compared standard loads to a 12-gauge 3-inch shell and Hornady’s 325-grain FTX to a 3.5-inch turkey load. Our Marlin 1895 Dark reviewer chose a 405-grain cowboy load at about 1,300 fps and found it remarkably pleasant. Buy light loads for practice and save full-power or +P loads for hunting. Some heavy +P loads are meant only for strong modern rifles, so check the rifle maker’s guidance.

Sights And Optics

Classic rifles use a semi-buckhorn rear and bead front. Modern versions wear ghost-ring peeps and long Picatinny rails. A peep sight is faster and more precise than a buckhorn for most shooters. If you plan to scope the rifle, look for a solid top receiver or a factory rail, and check that rail screws do not block your mount, a problem our Marlin Dark reviewer ran into.

Loading Gate Or Tube

Marlin, Rossi, and S&W rifles load through a side gate. Henry rifles traditionally load through a tube, and newer Henrys, including the H24 Signature, add a side gate too. Our S&W 1854 Stealth Hunter reviewer found the loading port rough on his fingers, while our Marlin SBL reviewer found loading easy even for a shooter with limited hand flexibility.

Stainless, Laminate, Or Blued

For rain, snow, and saltwater, stainless steel and laminate or synthetic stocks pay off. The Marlin SBL is stainless with laminated wood, and the Henry All-Weather uses a hard chrome finish. Blued steel and walnut look great but need more care.

Threaded Barrels And Accessories

Many new .45-70s have threaded muzzles, usually 11/16×24, for brakes and suppressors. M-LOK handguards let you add lights and shell holders, but our Marlin Dark reviewer broke a handguard tenon with a heavy one-sided accessory load. Keep heavy accessories balanced and check that your rifle has the updated parts.

Best .45-70 Rifles Ranked: 2026 Product Roundup

Henry H24 Signature .45-70: Best Overall .45-70 Rifle (2026)

The Henry H24 Signature is the best .45-70 rifle for most buyers, because it combines heirloom looks with a practical, hard-hitting package. It pairs a polished brass receiver with checkered walnut, a semi-buckhorn rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation, an ivory bead front, and a receiver that is drilled and tapped for a scope. Unlike older Henrys, it adds a side loading gate.

Read our full Henry H24 Signature .45-70 review here.

Our reviewer found the action smooth from day one and the trigger crisp and clean. He tested it with Hornady LEVERevolution 325-grain FTX and 250-grain MonoFlex loads and called the recoil stout but not unpleasant. He recommends it as a bear stopper by the back door. The review lists an MSRP of $1,300, and he called it a bargain at $1,045 street at the time of review. Capacity is four in the tube.

Key Specs

• Model: H024-4570
• Barrel: 19.8 in
• Length: 38.1 in
• Weight: 7.09 lb
• Capacity: 4 in the tube
• Sights: Semi-buckhorn rear, ivory bead front
• MSRP: $1,300 at the time of review

Pros

• Beautiful brass and walnut
• Smooth action and crisp trigger
• Side gate plus tube loading
• Drilled and tapped for a scope

Cons

• Only four rounds in the tube
• Brass receiver shows wear
• Not a lightweight

🛒 Check Current Price for Henry H24 Signature .45-70 on GunsAmerica

Marlin Model 1895 SBL: Best .45-70 For Hunting (2026)

The Ruger-made Marlin 1895 SBL is the best .45-70 for serious hunting. It has a stainless barrel, receiver, and lever, a nickel-plated fluted bolt, gray laminated wood, a ghost-ring rear sight with a high-visibility front, an 11-inch Picatinny rail, and a 19-inch barrel threaded 11/16×24 with a thread protector. Ruger also slimmed the forend for a more secure grip.

Read our full Marlin 1895 SBL review here.

Our reviewer measured the trigger at 3 pounds, 3 ounces. With a scope and Barnes VOR-TX 300-grain TSX ammunition, he shot a three-shot, 0.30-inch group at 50 yards and a best four-shot group of 1.3 inches at 100. His hunting partner took two Texas hogs with single shots. The suggested retail price was $1,399 at the time of review.

Key Specs

• Barrel: 19 in stainless, threaded 11/16×24
• Capacity: 6+1
• Weight: 7.3 lb
• Trigger: 3 lb 3 oz (measured)
• Rail: 11 in Picatinny
• Best group: 1.3 in at 100 yards (four shots)
• MSRP: $1,399 at the time of review

Pros

• Stainless and laminate for any weather
• Excellent accuracy in our test
• Long rail for scopes
• Proven on hogs

Cons

• Expensive for a Marlin
• Heavy recoil with full-power loads
• Trigger not crisp

🛒 Check Current Price for Marlin 1895 SBL on GunsAmerica

Marlin Dark Series Model 1895: Best Tactical .45-70 (2026)

The Marlin Dark Series Model 1895 is the .45-70 for shooters who want a lever gun set up like a modern carbine. The current Ruger-made version has a 16.17-inch cold hammer-forged barrel with a radial brake, an M-LOK aluminum handguard, a long Picatinny rail, a ghost-ring rear with a fiber optic tritium front, and a polymer stock with a removable cheek riser and QD sling point. It holds 5+1 and weighs 7 pounds.

Read our full Marlin Dark Series 1895 review here.

Our 2024 reviewer shot about 2-MOA groups with most loads and a 0.727-inch, three-shot group at 50 yards with Hornady 250-grain MonoFlex. However, the handguard tenon sheared with heavy accessories mounted on one side, which bent the magazine tube. Marlin told him it now ships the rifle with a stronger tenon. Our 2020 review of the earlier Marlin 1895 Dark is worth reading too. Our 2024 review did not list a price.

Key Specs

• Barrel: 16.17 in cold hammer-forged, 1:20
• Length: 35.5 in
• Weight: 7 lb
• Capacity: 5+1
• Sights: Ghost ring rear, fiber optic tritium front
• Handguard: M-LOK aluminum

Pros

• Light, short, and fast
• M-LOK and Picatinny real estate
• Excellent sights
• Sub-inch groups at 50 yards with MonoFlex

Cons

• Our test rifle broke a handguard tenon
• Rail screws can block scope mounts
• Cheek riser is on or off

🛒 Check Current Price for Marlin Dark Series 1895 on GunsAmerica

Henry .45-70 All-Weather: Best Weatherproof .45-70 (2026)

The Henry .45-70 All-Weather is the best .45-70 for hunters, ranchers, and guides who work in rain and snow. It has a hard chrome-plated steel barrel and receiver, a weather-resistant finished hardwood stock, sling swivel studs, a ventilated black rubber recoil pad, an adjustable rear sight, and a brass bead front.

Read our full Henry .45-70 All-Weather review here.

Our reviewer carried it for miles on horseback in a saddle scabbard while bear hunting and said it is short enough for the pack and the bush but long enough to make full use of full-power loads. He found it a heavy hitter and admitted to some flinching, but said the Winchester and Hornady loads grouped a bit better than Remington. The MSRP was $1,050, with a street price around $850 at the time of review.

Key Specs

• Barrel: 18.43 in, hard chrome-plated, 1:20
• Capacity: 4
• Weight: 7.08 lb
• Finish: Hard chrome
• MSRP: $1,050 at the time of review (street about $850)

Pros

• Weather-resistant finish
• Comes with sling studs
• Carries easily at 7 pounds
• Proven on a horseback bear hunt

Cons

• Four-round capacity
• Stout recoil
• Older review

🛒 Check Current Price for Henry .45-70 All-Weather on GunsAmerica

Smith & Wesson Model 1854 .45-70: Best Modern Stainless .45-70 (2026)

The Smith & Wesson Model 1854 in .45-70 brings S&W’s modern lever gun to the big-bore cartridge. Our launch coverage describes a 6+1 capacity, a forged 416 stainless steel receiver, a 5 3/4-inch Picatinny base, an adjustable XS ghost-ring rear sight, a gold bead front, and a fixed magazine tube. S&W later added a Stealth Hunter version in .45-70 with a 16.3-inch barrel, a 6.5-pound weight, a 34.3-inch length, a 10.5-inch Picatinny rail, a flat trigger, and a HIVIZ front sight.

Read our full S&W Model 1854 .45-70 coverage (launch news) here.

We have not fully reviewed the .45-70 version, but our Model 1854 Stealth Hunter review in .44 Magnum found the platform reliable suppressed and unsuppressed, liked the aluminum M-LOK handguard and flat trigger, and criticized a loading port that chewed up fingernails. Our .45-70 coverage did not list a price. This pick is based on launch news.

Key Specs

• Capacity: 6+1
• Receiver: Forged 416 stainless steel
• Sights: XS ghost ring rear, gold bead front
• Optics: 5 3/4 in Picatinny base
• Stealth Hunter: 16.3 in barrel, 6.5 lb, 34.3 in (launch specs)

Pros

• Stainless construction
• Ghost-ring sights and rail standard
• Stealth Hunter adds M-LOK and a flat trigger
• Platform ran well in our .44 Mag review

Cons

• Launch coverage only in .45-70
• Loading port was rough in our .44 review
• Price not listed in our coverage

🛒 Check Current Price for S&W Model 1854 .45-70 on GunsAmerica

Marlin 1895GBL: Best Used .45-70 Value (2026)

The Marlin 1895GBL is the classic big-loop guide gun, and it is one of the best values on the used market. Our reviewer tested a pre-Ruger example with an 18.5-inch barrel, a brown laminate stock with a pistol grip and generous recoil pad, a semi-buckhorn rear sight, a hooded brass bead front, and a solid-top receiver with side ejection that makes scope mounting simple.

Read our full Marlin 1895GBL review here.

Using iron sights from a rest and a 6-pound trigger, he shot five loads from 300 to 420 grains. Hornady LEVERevolution printed a 0.68-inch group, and a Remington 405-grain soft point shot under an inch. He also learned to seat each round fully in the magazine through the gate. The MSRP was $679.99 at the time of review in 2016. Ruger-era Marlins have replaced it, including the 1895 Guide Gun and 1895 Trapper.

Key Specs

• Barrel: 18.5 in
• Length: 37 in
• Weight: 7 lb
• Stock: Laminated
• Capacity: 6
• Sights: Semi-buckhorn rear, brass bead front
• MSRP: $679.99 at the time of review (2016)

Pros

• Big loop lever
• Solid top for easy scoping
• Sub-inch groups with irons
• Strong used value

Cons

• Discontinued; buy used
• Heavy 6-pound trigger
• Check condition on pre-Ruger rifles

🛒 Check Current Price for Marlin 1895GBL on GunsAmerica

Rossi R95 .45-70: Best Budget Lever-Action .45-70 (2026)

The Rossi R95 in .45-70 is the budget lever-action pick. Our launch coverage describes a hammer-forged barrel in three lengths, 16.5, 20, and 22 inches, a 5+1 capacity, a walnut-finished hardwood stock with deep blued steel, a hand-finished lever action, and a large loading gate designed for easy, pinch-free reloading.

Read our full Rossi R95 .45-70 coverage (launch news) here.

It is also drilled and tapped for optics with 8-40 screws and compatible with common aftermarket parts, which makes it easy to add a peep sight, rail, or new furniture. Rossi has since added other R95 variants, including the R95 Triple Black. We have launch coverage only, and our article did not list a price, so check current listings.

Key Specs

• Barrel: 16.5, 20, or 22 in, hammer forged
• Capacity: 5+1
• Finish: Blued steel, walnut-finished hardwood
• Optics: Drilled and tapped, 8-40 screws

Pros

• Three barrel lengths
• Aftermarket parts compatibility
• Large loading gate
• Drilled and tapped

Cons

• Launch coverage only
• Price not listed in our coverage
• Blued finish needs care

🛒 Check Current Price for Rossi R95 .45-70 on GunsAmerica

Traditions GII Outfitter: Best Single-Shot .45-70 (2026)

The Traditions GII Outfitter is the cheapest accurate way into the .45-70. It is a simple, safe break-action single shot with a 22-inch chromoly barrel and a quick-detach forend for easy takedown and cleaning. Our reviewer tested the scoped package and found the supplied 3-9×40 scope blurry, hard to zero, and unable to hold its rings tight.

Read our full Traditions GII Outfitter review here.

After swapping to a Vortex Crossfire II, the rifle shot MOA or better. His best three-shot group was 0.875 inch with Federal ammunition, with Federal averaging 1.0 inch and Barnes VOR-TX averaging 1.24 inches. His advice: buy the GII without the glass. At the time of review, the scoped package retailed at $557 and the rifle alone at $483.

Key Specs

• Action: Break-open single shot
• Barrel: 22 in chromoly
• Takedown: Quick-detach forend
• Best group: 0.875 in (three shots)
• Price: $483 without scope, $557 scoped, at the time of review

Pros

• Lowest price here
• MOA accuracy with a good scope
• Simple and safe
• Easy takedown

Cons

• Single shot
• Supplied scope was poor
• Break action is slow for follow-ups

🛒 Check Current Price for Traditions GII Outfitter on GunsAmerica

Final Thoughts On The Best .45-70 Rifles Of 2026

The best .45-70 rifle for most buyers is the Henry H24 Signature. It is beautiful, smooth, and practical, and our reviewer would trust it as a bear stopper. If you hunt hard in bad weather, the stainless Marlin 1895 SBL was the most accurate lever gun we tested, and the Henry All-Weather is the chrome-finished workhorse. The Marlin Dark Series is the tactical choice, as long as you have the updated tenon. The S&W 1854 is the modern stainless newcomer, the Marlin 1895GBL is the used bargain, the Rossi R95 is the budget lever gun, and the Traditions GII is the cheapest accurate single shot.

Feeding your lever gun? See our best lever-action ammo guide. For thick cover deer guns, see our best brush guns for deer hunting. Want a .45-70 you can carry in a pocket? See our best derringers guide.

Related reading: see our guides to the best Henry rifles and best scout rifles.

Pair your rifle with the right load. Our Federal HammerDown review chronographed the 300-grain .45-70 load from an 18-inch Marlin 1895. For a pocket-size .45-70, see our Bond Arms Cyclops coverage. For bigger game, see our affordable dangerous game rifles. Shop .45-70 rifles on GunsAmerica.com.