Edit… so since I posted this a few days ago, I had a XS Sight kit installed. It included a pic rail with a peep sight built in and a new front blade. I’m wondering what power scope I should look at. It’ll be used for fun and hogs, maybe out to 100 yards.??
Thanks for reading
Good evening guys..I have a 1895 Guide Gun in 45-70 that I’d like to have a little customizing done to and need advice. For some minor things like trigger/action work, is there a “kit” someone makes or should I be sending the rifle to a gunsmith? Recommendations?
Secondly I have always had a thing for color case hardening. I’d really like to have the receiver re-done. Any one have another recommendation on this?
Thanks guys!
This is her:
Pic I saved of what I’d like done:
This message has been edited. Last edited by: dry-fly,
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April 19, 2026, 11:09 AM
ruger357
Doug Turnbull is the best for case coloring as far as I know. That’s probably his work in your picture. Check ranger point precision or grizzly custom for trigger parts/work. There’s another one but I can’t remember the name.
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April 19, 2026, 01:52 PM
OttoSig
Like single action revolvers, shooting or a light polishing of vital parts is a free and quick way to vastly improve the trigger/action.
If you don’t wanna come close to making the gun unsafe, just stick to a little lubricant and steel wool. Maybe some 2000 grit sandpaper if you’re not going ham on it.
As for case hardening, I’ve always heard Turnbull is the best. There’s other lesser known examples I’ve seen, and while it’s definitely case hardened, it doesn’t have the same deep luster as the turnbull examples.
Tyler’s gun works Powers metal works Wyoming armory Run-n-iron
I’m not even sure the ones I’ve see mentioned from these folks is done in house to be honest.
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April 19, 2026, 05:55 PM
BB61
I had my Marlin 1895 SBL in 45-70 customized by Ranger Point Precision in Texas. Absolutely fantastic work. I had them do everything from the trigger, action, free floated the barrel (limitations for a lever) regulated the sights, etc. Wild West Guns is another outfit that works on Marlins. I’m not sure if RPP still does custom work as they are pretty busy with their parts business but it wouldn’t hurt to ask. I was very pleased with their work.
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April 23, 2026, 07:01 PM
10X-Shooter
Wouldn’t mind seeing what you end up with afterwards. I have a stainless 1895 guide gun with one less round capacity magazine. Also have a 336 in .35 Remington. I’m really wanting a stainless Trapper in 45/70.
April 28, 2026, 09:36 PM
dry-fly
Optic question in OP
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April 29, 2026, 08:05 PM
egregore
quote:
It’ll be used for fun and hogs, maybe out to 100 yards.??
A lower-powered variable scope of 1-1.5x on the bottom, 5-6x on top. At lower magnification you can track even a moving target (within reason) while keeping both eyes open.
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April 30, 2026, 03:21 AM
trapper189
The Aimpoint Micro on mine is sufficient to hit small paper plates at 200 yards.
April 30, 2026, 05:55 AM
dry-fly
Thanks guys
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April 30, 2026, 06:27 AM
gearhounds
quote:
Originally posted by BB61: I had my Marlin 1895 SBL in 45-70 customized by Ranger Point Precision in Texas. Absolutely fantastic work. I had them do everything from the trigger, action, free floated the barrel (limitations for a lever) regulated the sights, etc. Wild West Guns is another outfit that works on Marlins. I’m not sure if RPP still does custom work as they are pretty busy with their parts business but it wouldn’t hurt to ask. I was very pleased with their work.
I was not aware that Rangerpoint Precision still customized guns. I thought they only now provide aftermarket parts.
15 years ago, RPP customized and consequently corrected poor manufacturing defects several years ago. My Guide gun left Ilion NY with a badly clocked barrel with front and rear sights that didn’t look in the same direction. I tried sending it back to Remington 1 time with ZERO repairs.
I had the gun modded to match my taste at the time- short, wieldy brush guns. Barrel was cut to 14.5”, and a sighted comp permanently welded on to make legal requirements. I know it’s not for everyone, but I’m happy with it, thanks to RPP.
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April 30, 2026, 07:25 PM
BB61
quote:
Originally posted by gearhounds:
quote:
Originally posted by BB61: I had my Marlin 1895 SBL in 45-70 customized by Ranger Point Precision in Texas. Absolutely fantastic work. I had them do everything from the trigger, action, free floated the barrel (limitations for a lever) regulated the sights, etc. Wild West Guns is another outfit that works on Marlins. I’m not sure if RPP still does custom work as they are pretty busy with their parts business but it wouldn’t hurt to ask. I was very pleased with their work.
I was not aware that Rangerpoint Precision still customized guns. I thought they only now provide aftermarket parts.
15 years ago, RPP customized and consequently corrected poor manufacturing defects several years ago. My Guide gun left Ilion NY with a badly clocked barrel with front and rear sights that didn’t look in the same direction. I tried sending it back to Remington 1 time with ZERO repairs.
I had the gun modded to match my taste at the time- short, wieldy brush guns. Barrel was cut to 14.5”, and a sighted comp permanently welded on to make legal requirements. I know it’s not for everyone, but I’m happy with it, thanks to RPP.
^^^^^ Correct. But it wouldn't hurt to ask RPP and if they don't who they would recommend.