Most avid sportsman can choose from a selection of handguns, shotguns or rifles before venturing into the outdoors, but which one really fits their needs? Although there are many factors to consider when deciding what to carry, the Guide Gun was designed specifically to fill this niche. During hunting season, a hunter's rifle will normally serve adequately as bear protection and as the means to bring down the game in pursuit. However, for the rest of the year there is a better alternative for outdoor protection while fishing, hiking or camping. In this article, let's look at the Marlin Guide Gun and how it fits in the role it was designed for.

A Marlin 1895G, 45-70 government Guide Gun with ghost ring sites and picatinny rail for light mount. Rifle Stock Cartridge boot made by Ringler Custom Leather. Their website is: www.ringlercustomleather.com

The Marlin guide gun is a rifle designed to be carried as protection against predators like the grizzly bear. The guide gun's 1895 action has been proven over the years as one of Marlin's most widely produced receivers. Also, its availability in the large bore 45-70 government and the .450 Marlin make it very effective for close range encounters with large predators.

Marlin 1895M, .450 Marlin Guide Gun with ghost ring sites, ported barrel, and extended magazine tube

The rifle is handy and compact making it practical as a guide's choice for protection as the name would suggest. The rugged compactness makes it easy to carry on a sling, or in a scabbard with little worry about the possibility of damage. Although one could argue that a large caliber revolver is more compact and easier to carry than a guide gun, handguns require constant practice for the shooter to be accurate. A rifle like the Guide Gun requires less time at the range to remain effective and accurate. In critical situations when every shot counts, one should give themselves every advantage possible to hit their target.

The guide gun is very capable right out of the box, but it can be customized to improve performance and meet the user's needs. Easy upgrades include high quality followers, improved ejectors, and single point sling attachments. Most of these items are relatively inexpensive and can be added by the rifle's owner. Improved followers add longevity and reliability over the factory plastic followers. Aftermarket, “bear proof” ejectors help assure reliable cycling during moments when a person cannot afford a jam. Some people like single point slings that allow carrying the rifle in a quick-access position.

Marlin 1895G, 45-70 government custom parkerized finish Guide Gun with 16.5” barrel. Work includes big lever, ghost ring sites, thinned forearm stock, custom fitted buttstock, extended magazine tube and saddle ring for sling attachment. Rifle Stock Cartridge boot made by Ringler Custom Leather. Their website is: www.ringlercustomleather.com

Custom work that requires a little more expertise for installation includes big lever loops, and extended magazine tubes. While the big lever loop allows easier cycling and shooting with gloves on, the extended magazine tube adds the assurance of a couple extra cartridges.

Aftermarket sites like ghost ring, red dots or hologram sites can be added if the shooter wants to upgrade from the factory sites. Ghost ring sites are a solid choice for the guide gun due to their accuracy at close range and improved target acquisition ability. However, the most important aspect of a sight system is one that a shooter can use quickly and accurately. A person needs to find a sight that makes finding the target and hitting it accurately almost automatic. There might be a circumstance when one shot is all there is time for.

Ghost ring sites on a Marlin Guide Gun

The Marlin Guide Gun is a capable and useful firearm right out of the box and a shooter can customize it many different ways. Whether it is custom or not, a person should focus on being comfortable with it. A shooter needs to spend an adequate amount of time at the practice range to be certain they can operate it efficiently and accurately. As mentioned before, the use of the firearm should be automatic to give yourself every chance possible of defense when needed.

Of all the choices of firearms a person could choose, the Marlin Guide Gun provides a strong combination of power, accuracy, and functionality. All this capability is packaged in a user friendly and proven design making it one of the best choices for backcountry functionality and protection available.