txpitdog, have you ever had trouble with the rear of the receiver area coming back and catching you in the web of your hand between the thumb and index finger? The H&R I had was notorious for doing this if you did a quick shot and didn't hold it down like it required. The good part of that gun was you could throw it around and abuse it but it's value or shootability wasn't going to be hurt.

In fact, I have named the gun. I call it the Pork Chop Express! Never had an issue with it biting me in the Web of my hand. Years of shooting hot loads in my Guide Gun taught me to hang on tight.

Maybe you can find a nice JM stamped marlin? Really like the one my dad has, shoots and carries nicely. Might even find a nice pre safety Marlin

I have a 458 socom which uses the same projectiles as the 45-70, love my AR and love the projectiles since there are many many different types available for it since the 45-70 government has been around for a long time. I currently shoot 300 gr to 500 gr projectiles through my AR. Bought it for a hog gun too and wanted more rounds which a standard magazine can hold 10 rounds in case I miss if the hog charges me.

I have the jm stamped guide gun, and recently compared it to a remlin. If I did not have the jm to compare it to, I would not have noticed anything wrong. But with them side by side, the difference is clear. I think the lever is a much cooler gun.

I like the leather ammo carrier!!!

Cool gun UncleBubba. What did you notice that was different? Was it the wood to metal fit? That's what I've heard is terrible lately.

I will keep an eye out for a good price on a JM stamped 45-70. I think that's the best way to go at this point.

Thanks for all the help.

Yes, the wood to metal fit was not very good. The Wood and finish did not seem to be near as good quality wise either. I did not shoot it, so I don't know about function. It may or may not function just as good.

Evidently Ya'll like the leather Butt cuff on this gun. I've recived a few PM's on it already. Here is the reply to the first PM -
I had it custom made at John's shoe repair in Garland. $35. 972-494-0800. I just cut a template out of paper that would fit my gun and gave it to him along with a 45-70 shell and a 30-30 shell (I had one made for my bro-in-law's 336 too). I had it done in November, so he may still have the template. If you go to your own local shop, make sure you leave enough gap on the template to lace it up. Anybody that does leather work should be able to make one pretty easy.

John's Shoe Repair does a really good job with new soles on my boots too.