Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Why a 45-70?

There was a time when I owned three CF rifles; a Rem 788 223, a Winchester 670 in 30-06, and a Marlin 45-70. I lost that Marlin and picked up a few more rifles. I have another Marlin, a Guide Gun, again which I rarely hunt with; it's more generally a bear gun for boat and camp. I do enjoy hunting with a 45-70 though; this single shot:


The distance was only 40 yards; the temperature was the only limiting factor: -25� F. Didn't affect either rifle or cartridge.

Same rifle again at half the distance (and 50� warmer):



And then there was this critter at 246 yards, ranged after the drop-dead shot; same rifle:



And, if the 45-70 was my only rifle, I'd probably be half decent with it. As with anything, it all depends more on the guy holding the tool than the tool itself. Killing stuff with cartridge rifles is actually pretty darned simple. If you already own two CF rifles, you probably owe yourself one that is plain pure fun, and a Marlin lever gun can be. Yeah there is some recoil. But they can be made to work.