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Compare Best Guide Guns head to head
Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
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#1 on this list
1895 Guide Gun .45-70
Marlin
The rifle that named the category: an 18.5-inch lever action in .45-70 that puts a 405-grain bullet where it needs to go, fast.
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- Specification researched
#2 on this list
Guide Gun Hawkeye .375 Ruger
Ruger
Controlled-round-feed bolt action with a muzzle brake, iron sights, and a stock that shrugs off rain.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | 1895 Guide Gun .45-70 | Guide Gun Hawkeye .375 Ruger |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45-70 Government | .375 Ruger |
| Action | Lever Action | Controlled-Round-Feed Bolt |
| Barrel Length | 18.5 inches | — |
| Capacity | 6+1 rounds (tube magazine) | 3+1 rounds |
| Stock Material | Laminate or Wood | — |
| Sights | Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn rear, Hooded Ramp front | Adjustable Iron Sights |
| Stock | — | Synthetic |
| Special Feature | — | Muzzle Brake & Threaded Barrel |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
1895 Guide Gun .45-70
- Exceptional stopping power at close to moderate range
- Compact and highly maneuverable in dense cover
- Rugged, reliable, and built to withstand harsh conditions
- Fast follow-up shots possible with practice
- Classic lever action aesthetics with modern capability
- Significant recoil, requires practice to master
- Limited effective range due to bullet trajectory
- Ammunition can be expensive and less common
- Heavier than some alternatives for its size
Guide Gun Hawkeye .375 Ruger
- Unwavering reliability with controlled-round-feed action
- Excellent recoil management with integrated muzzle brake
- Weather-resistant synthetic stock shrugs off elements
- Powerful .375 Ruger cartridge in a standard-length action
- Robust construction built for hard field use
- Heavier than some will prefer for extended carry
- Muzzle brake concussion can be significant to bystanders
- Plain aesthetic, lacking fine finishing of higher-end rifles
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