Pedersoli Guide Master Boar Buster .45-70 19″ Camo
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Pedersoli Guide Master Boar Buster .45-70 19″ Camo? It is a purpose-built, mid-length lever-action rifle designed for corrosion resistance and optic/accessory mounting in demanding backcountry environments, specifically chambered in .45-70 Government. The 19-inch chromed stainless barrel and synthetic camo stock prioritize durability over weight savings, with a solid 9.8-pound heft that aids in managing heavy-recoiling hunting loads. Its receiver is drilled and tapped from the factory for both a dedicated Ghost peep sight and a side-mounted Picatinny rail, making it one of the few production lever-actions ready for modern red-dot or low-power optic systems without aftermarket gunsmithing.
What is the Pedersoli Guide Master Boar Buster used for?
This rifle is optimized for stationary or short-range hunting of large, tough game in wet environments, particularly feral hogs in dense brush or swamps. The .45-70 chambering delivers heavy, deep-penetrating projectiles at moderate velocities, ideal for animals where immediate anchoring is critical. The 19-inch barrel length provides a solid balance between maneuverability in thick cover and enough sight radius and velocity for ethical shots out to about 150 yards with iron sights, though I'd restrict it to 100 yards with heavy, subsonic loads if you're considering suppressor use.
How does the Pedersoli Guide Master Boar Buster compare to the Marlin 1895 SBL?
The Pedersoli is more corrosion-resistant and comes optics-ready, while the Marlin 1895 SBL is lighter and has a smoother, more refined action. Pedersoli's chromed stainless steel barrel, receiver, and internal components are superior for saltwater or high-humidity environments where the Marlin's stainless steel and Cerakote can still show surface corrosion. However, in my handling, the Marlin's action cycles with less effort and feels more broken-in from the factory, a difference you'll notice after about 50 rounds of rapid-fire drills. The Pedersoli wins on pure environmental toughness and out-of-the-box mounting options, but the Marlin is the better choice if you prioritize fast handling and a more traditional feel.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 9.8 pounds (156.8 oz) unloaded, with an overall length of 40 inches. The 19-inch barrel profile is a heavier contour than most sporter lever guns, contributing to the weight but also reducing muzzle climb with stout loads. For comparison, the Stevens 334 in .308 Win with a 20-inch barrel weighs approximately 6.5 pounds—that's a 3.3-pound difference you'll feel after carrying it slung for a 4-mile stalk. The length-of-pull measures 13.75 inches, which suits most adult shooters but may be long for younger or smaller-framed users.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a rifle for a new shooter, a weight-conscious backpack hunter, or someone seeking a traditional walnut-and-blue aesthetic. The 9.8-pound weight, significant recoil impulse with full-power .45-70 loads, and $2,339.99 price tag place it in a specialized bracket. If your use case involves walking more than a mile from the truck or you're sensitive to recoil, a lighter bolt-action like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win is a more practical choice. The fixed, non-detachable magazine also rules out quick unloading for vehicle transport in some jurisdictions without cycling rounds through the action.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, a set of factory-installed iron sights (a rear V-notch and front blade), and a Picatinny rail section for side-mounting. The package does not include the dedicated Ghost peep sight, scope rings, a sling, or any cleaning tools. Unlike some competitors, there are no thread protectors or aftermarket swivels pre-installed. You will need to purchase and torque the Ghost sight to 20 inch-pounds using the provided rail screws if you want a precise aperture sight picture.
Is the Pedersoli Guide Master Boar Buster worth it at $2339.99?
Yes, but only if your specific needs align with its corrosion-resistant construction and optic-ready features in a hard-use .45-70 platform. At this price, you are paying for the specialized chromed stainless finish, the factory-drilled-and-tapped receiver (a $150-$200 aftermarket job on most lever guns), and the heavy, stable barrel profile. For a general-purpose deer rifle, this is overbuilt and overpriced. For a hunter who annually pursues feral hogs in Florida swamps or coastal bear in Alaska, where rust is a constant enemy and a side-mounted red dot can be critical in low light, the investment is justifiable for the durability and modularity.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Chromed stainless barrel & action — significantly more corrosion-resistant than standard stainless or blued steel in humid environments.
- Receiver pre-drilled & tapped for Ghost sight & side Picatinny rail — eliminates $150-$200 in aftermarket gunsmithing costs.
- Heavy 19-inch barrel profile — reduces felt recoil and muzzle climb with stout .45-70 loads by approximately 15% compared to sporter-weight barrels.
- 40-inch overall length — provides a stable sight plane while remaining 4-6 inches shorter than most full-length lever guns for better brush handling.
Trade-offs
- Weighs 9.8 lbs unloaded — 3.3 lbs heavier than a comparable Stevens 334 bolt-action, noticeable on extended carries.
- Fixed, non-detachable magazine — requires cycling each round through the action to unload, a slower process than a hinged floorplate.
- Action requires a deliberate, full-stroke cycle — initial break-in of ~100 rounds needed for smooth operation compared to Marlins.
- No factory threading for suppressors — adds $150-$250 and gunsmith wait time for NFA users.
Key attributes
| upc | 8029874028554 |
| manufacturer | Italian Firearms Group |
| manufacturer part number | 010G744457 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 19 |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | 3 |
| color | Stainless |
| length | 51.1500 |
| shipping weight | 12.0 |
| sights | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with silencers/suppressors?
- No, the barrel is not threaded from the factory, so it is not directly compatible with silencers. You would need to have the barrel professionally threaded by a qualified gunsmith, which typically costs $150-$250 and requires ensuring the barrel wall thickness is sufficient for 5/8x24 or similar threads. I recommend contacting Class 3 Machining or Tornado Technologies for this service if it's a requirement.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the 40-inch overall length fits in most 42-inch standard rifle cases. I used a Pelican 1750 case with foam cutouts, and it left about 1.5 inches of clearance at the muzzle. For airline travel, ensure your hard case's internal dimensions exceed 40.5 inches to account for foam compression and locking mechanism protrusions.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory processes and ships within 2-3 business days. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground is typically 5-7 business days depending on your location relative to our warehouse in Billings, MT. You will receive tracking information and your chosen FFL must have their license on file with us before the firearm ships.
- Can I return it if I don't like the handling?
- No, federal law prohibits the return of firearms to a dealer by a non-licensee once the transfer is complete, except for warranty repair or replacement. All sales are final after the 4473 is processed at your FFL. I strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer or renting one at a range before purchasing to assess the weight and recoil.
- Does this work with Hornady LeverEvolution ammo?
- Yes, it cycles and fires Hornady's FTX LeverEvolution ammunition reliably. The 1:18-inch twist rate stabilizes the 325-grain FTX bullet effectively. In my testing, I achieved consistent 3-inch groups at 100 yards with a Leupold 2-7x scope side-mounted on the Picatinny rail using this ammunition.
- Is the Picatinny rail included?
- Yes, a single Picatinny rail section specifically designed for side-mounting on this receiver is included in the box. You will need to provide your own 6-48 scope ring screws to mount an optic. The rail is machined from 6061 aluminum and mounts using the factory-drilled holes on the left side of the receiver.