Not really but I like the way the longer barrel handles IMO even though i have a guide gun. I have the guide gun because I bought it off the used rack 20 years or so ago but if I was buying new I would buy the full sized rifle.

Do not overlook a good 336 either. It would be ideal for the hunting you describe.

 

I have a Trapper with a 16 inch that totes easy in the brush but trajectory gets terrible out past a 100 yards. A 30 TK (336) in .35 Remington is a fine brush gun, used one for years. A 220 gr hits hard and doesn't mind bouncing off small stuff on it's way to dinner..

 

I've owned one of the original 1895 Guide Guns and got rid of it in favor of the 22" standard 1895. The stock/grip feels better to me, and I don't notice as much muzzle blast coming back to me.

Both though, are great rifles. Try 'em both. See which one feels better to you. If possible, shoot both.

At the ranges you're talking about there should be no real difference in killing power.

Laughing at the 25-06 reference. I have one and love it, for longer shots on mule deer and pronghorn. Longest kill is at 420 yards. I shot one at 20 yards with it too - and that worked fine, but a lower velocity rifle would have also worked just fine.

Regards, Guy

 

I have owned close to a dozen 45-70's and am currently down to two. One is a Marlin 1895 with a 24" as is my Browning made 1886. To me the Guide gun is very totable and nothing wrong with it, but in my mind a 45-70 is best served through a 22 to 26 inch barrel. Longer site radius for distance if needed, more powder burn time for efficacy and recoil is far more manageable.

 

I went with the guide for its compactness. Mine is topped with a 2.5x scope so a longer barrel doesn’t do anything for accuracy and if an 18.5” barrel doesn’t produce enough to kill what I’m after then the same round in a 22” barrel won’t either.

I will say the straight stock/square lever is unkind to my knuckles but the GBL would take care of that with pistol grip and large loop.

 

I’m a fan of the GS. Where I live it’s tight and wet. The long barrels might shoot a bit better, but they suck for walking in tight woods. The Henry in the one pic is a 16.5” barrel. Would not want it any longer...

 

I have a guide gun. it's a handy rifle in my area because of the dense woods and long trek to my hunting spot.

I have had the opportunity to shoot a 22" barrel 1895. It handles well. it does have a little less muzzle blast and a longer sight radius. The 22" version is a sweet shooter.

If you get the chance to handle/ shoot both it may help your decision. For the purpose of shooting 25-75yds, either one will work.

 

I have a guide gun. it's a handy rifle in my area because of the dense woods and long trek to my hunting spot.

I have had the opportunity to shoot a 22" barrel 1895. It handles well. it does have a little less muzzle blast and a longer sight radius. The 22" version is a sweet shooter.

If you get the chance to handle/ shoot both it may help your decision. For the purpose of shooting 25-75yds, either one will work.

I also hunt tight cover with tornado blow downs and lots of swamps. Nasty terrain.
The good news is hunting here is never crowded. I bought a used JM Guide Gun years ago for a Hog gun.
It has served me well. Distance where I hunt is short pistol or short bow range. Thus a GUIDE GUN.

 

For those referencing sight radius, adding a Skinner or RPP receiver sight to any lever action is a big plus. Only my 1912 Model 94 is sporting a barrel mounted rear sight as it’s sole option.

 

I like my JM Marlin Guide Gun. It's my go to deer rifle . Works fine from close in to 150 yards for me. Easy to walk through the woods with and not overly long for a tree stand or tower blind. I either shoot my 350 gr. Ranch Dog cast bullets or my 405 gr. WFN cast bullets , both shoot very well out of this rifle Recoil is what ever I want to make it Even at 73, I am not bothered by recoil when shooting at game, just don't pay no mind, don't feel it.

 

(I have 22 inch models and have a GBL and SBL and I have to say that my SBL is the model I go to for hunting. The accuracy is the same between the models and the velocity is minimal between the models. They are all great rifles. The shorter ones are a little easier for me to pack in the brush. If you can try them both and see what works for you.

 

I ordered the Marlin 1895 Guide.

 

I find that the 22" or even the 24" XLR barrel balances and swings much better than the Guide Gun.

 

I don't have to worry about balance or swing with my Guide Gun as I am not bird hunting so I usually find some kind of rest when aiming at deer since I won't take a chance of wounding a beautiful animal. Here is the first I've work up my 350 gr. Ranch Dog bullets with this load and shot it just this morning for a test run. I think it will work. It'll work even better once they remove this cataract so I can see through this 5 power scope better. Not bad for a blind guy huh?

 

I haven't been a "hunter" for 30+ years but if I were picking it back up I would likely go with a longer barreled model. I bought the Trapper for short range 100 yard-ish work, be it venison, moose or black bear (had one drop by the other night). I like having the power on tap and how easy it is to move with in the woods. "Practical accuracy" at 100 yards is all I need, and all I can get with XS sights. I'm sure with a good scope I could cut my groups substantially but I don't want the extra weight....

 

Enjoy whatever you chose. With a scope....it really doesn't matter other than carrying preference. With open sites, if you were young with young excellent eyes....then the added length of longer barrels assists target acquisition accuracy.

 

22" is minimum for me, I'd rather burn my powder in the barrel where it'll do more good.

 

I currently have a Ruger Model 77 25-06 I use for deer hunting in both woods and open field. My 25-06 blows them up in the woods. Average shot is 25 to 75 yards.
I’m looking for something for South Carolina and Pennsylvania deer and bear hunting.
Is the extra barrel length of 1895 have any advantages?

The advantage, as I understand, to the having 26" barrel... is the longer sight radius for iron sights... and the 9 + 1 capacity and the reduced recoil... And mostly, is how awesomely cool it is... given a JM model and nice wood...

 

I’ve had several 1895s over the years. Most on trades in last 5 yrs. The one I keep is a 1970 model with long barrel. The newer short barrel models don’t come close on accuracy. The Guide Guns are nice to carry in thick cover but unless you are going after critter requiring 45/70 they are a waste. For 100yd and under 1894 in 44mg or 45 is better all around. New deer hunters here buy Guide Guns and 3x9 scopes to shoot deer at 100yds, with Gummy point ammo. To tell the truth the stand hunters don’t have many complaints. Due to Hollywood there is much disappointment with the range of 45/70 and a short barrel is a drain on that.

 

I've been quite pleased with the accuracy of my 18" GS from 2004. Here's a sample of the 200 yd. with 2-7 scope and factory 250 grain mono fodder.

 

Sounds like the OP made his choice. You will be happy with your Guide Gun I believe.

I got a great deal on my 1895G several years ago. Shop owner's nephew bought it and put a few rounds through it and didn't like it, so it went in the shop. I picked it up for ~$360 or so and he gave me the box of Hornady ammo with about 15 or so left in it. If the 22" model with pistol grip were sitting next to it, I may have gone with it instead. Less blast is nice and I prefer the pistol grip. But I'm not sure I care enough to trade mine for the longer version one now. I mostly use the GG to keep in my tent when camping/hunting in the mountains. Will also carry it on my pack when hunting with my son who carries my 30-30.

As previous poster mentioned, for your purpose of deer (maybe black bear here and there) in close cover, my 30-30 is my preferred hunting rifle. I probably wouldn't choose to use the 22" 1895 over it anyway, so GG works fine for me.

 

Having shot my Guide Gun 45-70 through the many years I have had it and mostly with cast bullets in 350 gr. or 405 grain,it has become my favorite go to rifle for deer hunting here in Ohio. It's short and sweet, easy to carry, perfect for the tree stand hunting and is way more accurate then my two 44 magnum rifles which is a Henry Big Boy Steel and a Ruger 77/44.My Guide Gun isn't particular with most any loads I develop for it. My wife and I both bought 45-70 Guide Guns, mainly to use for hunting Black Bear in Canada but my rifle has proven the virtues of the old 45-70 cartridge. Oh, I have had guys tell me that it is more gun then needed for deer but then when I ask them why they hunted many years with 12 ga. slug guns or 50 and 54 caliber Muzzle loaders which can throw bigger projectiles then even my 45-70,they didn't have an answer for it. Reminds me of some that speak before they think when they make posts cutting down a caliber or cartridge or long barrel versus short barrel. My Guide Gun is good to 150 yards, my 44 magnums are not and I wouldn't even try that with a 45 Colt.