The Marlin 1895 SBL .45-70 Government Lever-Action Rifle, identified by UPC 026495018238, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the lever-action design, infused with modern enhancements for the discerning hunter, outdoorsman, and firearms enthusiast. This rifle, famously featured in blockbuster films like Jurassic World, merges classic American craftsmanship with contemporary materials and ergonomics, creating a firearm that is as reliable in the unforgiving wilderness as it is striking in a collection. For those seeking a powerful, durable, and exceptionally versatile rifle for big game hunting, dangerous game defense, or simply an iconic piece of American firearms heritage, the 1895 SBL delivers unparalleled performance.

Who is the Marlin 1895 SBL For?

The Marlin 1895 SBL is meticulously engineered for individuals who demand robust performance in challenging environments. It's an ideal choice for:

• Big Game Hunters: Particularly effective for hunting large North American game such as bear, moose, elk, and wild boar, especially in dense brush or timber where quick, powerful shots are essential.
• Dangerous Game Protection: A primary choice for hikers, guides, and explorers venturing into areas with large predators, offering significant stopping power for close-quarters self-defense.
• Alaskan and Northern Wilderness Enthusiasts: Built to withstand extreme weather conditions, its stainless steel construction makes it impervious to moisture and corrosion, a critical factor in harsh, wet, or snowy climates.
• Tactical Lever Action Aficionados: For those who appreciate the speed and heritage of a lever gun but desire modern accessories and robust materials for a more "tactical" or survival-oriented setup.
• Firearms Collectors & Enthusiasts: Its distinctive appearance, rugged build, and cultural significance (as seen in popular media) make it a highly desirable addition to any serious firearms collection.
• Homesteaders and Ranchers: Providing reliable protection against wild animals or for dispatching nuisance wildlife on larger properties.

The Problem It Solves: Reliable Power in Unpredictable Environments

Imagine traversing dense Alaskan brush, tracking a bear, or navigating thick timber for elk. In these scenarios, you need a rifle that is:

• Powerful: Capable of delivering devastating energy to quickly dispatch large, resilient animals.
• Maneuverable: Short enough to handle swiftly in tight spaces without snagging.
• Reliable: Functions flawlessly regardless of rain, snow, mud, or extreme temperatures.
• Quick to Action: Allows for rapid follow-up shots if needed.
• Accurate: Offers precision even at moderate ranges, with adaptable sighting options.

The Marlin 1895 SBL is purpose-built to address these challenges head-on. Its .45-70 Government chambering provides substantial power, while its compact 18-inch barrel ensures excellent handling. The stainless steel construction ensures all-weather reliability, and its smooth lever action coupled with the extended big loop lever allows for rapid cycling, even with gloved hands.

Unpacking the Dominant Features of the 1895 SBL

Every element of the Marlin 1895 SBL has been thoughtfully designed to maximize performance and durability.

The Indomitable .45-70 Government Caliber

At the heart of the 1895 SBL's formidable reputation is its chambering in .45-70 Government. This cartridge boasts over 150 years of proven effectiveness, initially developed for military use and quickly adopted by hunters for its incredible stopping power. Modern ammunition loads for the .45-70 have significantly enhanced its capabilities, transforming it into a true big-bore powerhouse.

• Raw Power: The .45-70 is renowned for its heavy bullet weights, typically ranging from 300 to 500 grains, delivering tremendous kinetic energy upon impact. This makes it exceptionally effective for rapidly incapacitating large, thick-skinned animals.
• Versatility: While often associated with dangerous game, the .45-70, with appropriate ammunition, is also highly effective for deer, elk, and moose. Lighter, more modern loads can extend its practical range for hunting, though it truly excels in close-to-medium range scenarios (under 200 yards).
• Deep Penetration: The large, heavy projectiles ensure excellent penetration, often crucial when dealing with tough hides or bone.

Robust Stainless Steel Construction

The 1895 SBL distinguishes itself with extensive use of stainless steel for its receiver, barrel, lever, trigger guard, magazine tube, and loading gate. This material choice is not merely aesthetic; it's a critical component of the rifle's legendary reliability.

• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel is inherently resistant to rust and corrosion, making the rifle ideal for use in wet, humid, or salt-air environments. This minimizes maintenance requirements in the field and ensures longevity.
• Enhanced Durability: The strength of stainless steel contributes to the overall ruggedness of the rifle, allowing it to withstand the rigors of heavy use and harsh conditions without compromising structural integrity.
• Ease of Maintenance: While robust, stainless steel is relatively easy to clean and maintain, resisting scratches and wear better than traditional blued finishes.

Smooth and Fast Lever Action with Big Loop Lever

The classic lever action mechanism of the 1895 SBL is celebrated for its intuitive operation and speed. The addition of a big loop finger lever is a significant ergonomic enhancement.

• Rapid Cycling: The lever action allows for incredibly fast follow-up shots compared to many bolt-action rifles, which can be critical in dangerous game encounters.
• Ergonomics for All Conditions: The oversized big loop lever is specifically designed to accommodate gloved hands, a common necessity in cold weather hunting or tactical situations, without sacrificing speed or comfort.
• Reliable Feeding: The traditional lever system, combined with the stainless steel magazine tube, ensures smooth and consistent feeding of .45-70 cartridges.

Side Ejection for Seamless Optics Mounting

Unlike older top-ejecting lever actions, the 1895 SBL features side ejection of spent casings.

• Uninterrupted Optics Mounting: This crucial design choice allows for low and secure mounting of scopes directly over the receiver, without interference from ejected brass. This ensures consistent sight picture and eye relief, a significant advantage for hunters who rely on precision optics.

Laminated Hardwood Pistol Grip Stock with Modern Features

The rifle is outfitted with a striking black/gray laminated hardwood pistol grip stock. This is more than just an aesthetic choice.

• Exceptional Stability and Durability: Laminated wood stocks are renowned for their resistance to warping and cracking, outperforming traditional solid wood stocks in adverse weather conditions. They offer superior dimensional stability, contributing to consistent accuracy.
• Enhanced Grip and Control: The pistol grip configuration provides a more natural and secure handhold, improving control and comfort during shooting, especially with the potent .45-70 recoil.
• Fluted Comb: The fluted comb design provides a comfortable and consistent cheek weld, which is vital for proper sight alignment, particularly when using optical sights.
• Cut Checkering: The finely cut checkering on the grip and forend offers a superior non-slip surface, ensuring a firm hold even with wet hands or gloves.
• Deluxe Recoil Pad: The inclusion of a deluxe recoil pad significantly mitigates the felt recoil of the powerful .45-70 Government cartridge, making extended shooting sessions more comfortable and improving shooter confidence.
• Nickel-Plated Swivel Studs: Durable and corrosion-resistant swivel studs are factory-installed, ready for attaching slings, making the rifle easier to carry in the field.

Advanced XS Ghost Ring Sight with High-Vis Front Post

The Marlin 1895 SBL comes equipped with a highly effective and robust sighting system: the XS Ghost Ring Sight with a high-visibility front post.

• Rapid Target Acquisition: The ghost ring concept allows the shooter to quickly center the front sight on the target, ideal for fast-moving game or dangerous encounters at close to moderate ranges. The large rear aperture blurs into a "ghost," naturally guiding the eye to the front post.
• Low Light Performance: The high-visibility front post (often featuring a white stripe or tritium insert for enhanced contrast) ensures a clear sight picture even in challenging light conditions like dawn, dusk, or dense woods.
• Durability: XS Sights are known for their rugged construction, built to withstand the knocks and bumps of field use.

Versatile Scout Scope Mount

A scout scope mount is included with the 1895 SBL, adding a layer of versatility to its sighting options.

• Forward Mounting Position: A scout scope is mounted forward on the barrel, rather than over the receiver. This allows for both eyes open shooting, offering a wider field of view and enhanced situational awareness, crucial in dynamic hunting or defense scenarios.
• Long Eye Relief Optics: This setup is designed for long eye relief scopes, which can be beneficial for shooters who wear glasses or prefer more head movement freedom.
• Backup Sight Integration: The scout rail often allows for simultaneous use of the iron sights as a backup, even with an optic mounted, providing redundancy.

Compact and Agile 18-inch Barrel

The rifle features a short, highly maneuverable 18-inch barrel.

• Enhanced Maneuverability: This shorter barrel length makes the 1895 SBL incredibly agile in thick brush, dense forests, or when operating from a vehicle or stand. It's less likely to snag on branches and allows for quicker pointing.
• Optimized Ballistics: While shorter, an 18-inch barrel is still sufficient to achieve excellent ballistic performance from the .45-70 Government cartridge, especially with modern powders and bullet designs optimized for these lengths.
• Reduced Overall Length: The compact barrel contributes to an overall length of just 37 inches, making the rifle easy to carry, transport, and handle in confined spaces.

Why Choose the Marlin 1895 SBL? Your Questions Answered.

"What's the best rifle for bear country?"
The Marlin 1895 SBL in .45-70 Government is consistently cited as one of the top choices for bear defense. Its potent cartridge delivers the stopping power required for large, dangerous animals, while its rugged, all-weather stainless steel construction ensures reliability when you need it most. The short barrel and quick-cycling lever action make it an ideal "brush gun" for close-quarters encounters.

"Is the .45-70 Government truly suitable for dangerous game?"
Absolutely. With modern ammunition, the .45-70 Government produces energy levels capable of taking down the largest game animals in North America. Its heavy, large-diameter bullets create significant wound channels and offer deep penetration, critical for dangerous game.

"How does the Marlin 1895 SBL perform in close quarters?"
With its 18-inch barrel and overall length of 37 inches, the 1895 SBL excels in close-quarters environments. It's easy to swing and shoulder quickly, making it perfect for hunting in dense timber or for self-defense against sudden threats. The XS Ghost Ring Sights facilitate rapid target acquisition at these ranges.

"What makes this lever action 'modern'?"
The 1895 SBL seamlessly blends the traditional lever action with modern features. The use of stainless steel for extreme durability and corrosion resistance, the laminated stock for stability in varying climates, the factory-installed scout rail for versatile optics mounting, and the improved XS Ghost Ring sights all elevate this rifle beyond its traditional counterparts, making it truly a modern classic.

"How does it handle recoil?"
While the .45-70 Government is a powerful cartridge, the Marlin 1895 SBL incorporates features to manage recoil effectively. The substantial 8-pound weight of the rifle, combined with the excellent deluxe recoil pad on the stock, significantly absorbs felt recoil, making the rifle more comfortable to shoot than many might expect from a big-bore lever gun. Proper shooting technique also plays a role in managing recoil.

Ownership and Maintenance

The Marlin 1895 SBL is designed for minimal fuss and maximum reliability. Its stainless steel components are inherently resistant to rust, but regular cleaning after use is still recommended to remove powder residue and environmental contaminants. A light coat of gun oil on moving parts and bore cleaner for the barrel will keep it performing optimally for generations. The laminated stock is also highly durable and requires less maintenance than traditional wood. This rifle is built to be a workhorse, ready for whatever challenges the outdoors present.

For enthusiasts, hunters, and adventurers seeking a rifle that combines classic American heritage with contemporary ruggedness and performance, the Marlin 1895 SBL is an investment in reliability and capability. It is a firearm that not only performs when called upon but also carries a story and a legacy.

Product Specifications: Marlin 1895 SBL

Feature	Description
Action	Lever
Caliber	.45-70 Government
Barrel Length	18 inches
Capacity	5+1 Rounds
Trigger	Standard
Safety	Hammer Block Safety
Length	37 inches
Weight	8 Pounds
Stock	Black/Gray Laminated Hardwood Pistol Grip Stock with Fluted Comb, Cut Checkering, Deluxe Recoil Pad, and Nickel-Plated Swivel Studs
Receiver/Barrel	Stainless Steel Receiver, Barrel, Lever, Trigger Guard, Magazine Tube, Loading Gate
Sights	XS Ghost Ring Sight with High-Visibility Front Post
Additional	Big Loop Finger Lever, Side Ejection, Scout Scope Mount Included
UPC	026495018238, 736676704781
SKU	70478
MPN	1895SBL

This outstanding Marlin 1895 SBL rifle (UPC 026495018238) is available at DEGuns. Visit deguns.com to explore purchase options and add this iconic, modern lever action to your collection.