I've always thought 45-70 rifles were missing something, specifically trunions. However, I'm open to being convinced.
Recoil-wise, I'm starting to think 35 Whelen was my high-water mark. That's one of the reasons I bought "my last 30-06" a couple of years ago. I figured there was going to be plenty to explore south of that mark over the next 40 years. My idea now of a hero's end is being found stone cold dead with a 300 buck's antlers in both hands and a .223 Rem strapped across my back-- at 105. I'm working my way there slowly.
I had to give up bow hunting in 2007, because of a bad shoulder. It generally does not bother me, but I had a flare up after my last all-day 35 Whelen load development. It's not a major factor, but something I consider.
