41Dude
If you would state what you plan on using the rifle for and if you reload I might be able to help more.
For all of the 45-70 haters that think it is a shoulder thumper WRONG. It can be a great plinker. You can also have fun without loading to the max.
I have shot as many 50 of my light rounds at a SASS match without pain. It is also a lot of fun shooting 35-40 grs. of 3F Triple 7 along with filler and a 300 Gr. LRNFP. About the same as shooting a 45 Colt.
Mine are also slicked up a weeeee bit so they can be shot pretty fast.
Yes you can load really hard shooting rounds that will leave you with a black and blue shoulder. Think 500 gr LRNFP or a 405 JFP and a lot of powder, but that is what the Sharps is for
My choice would be a USED Marlin 45-70 Cowboy as an all-around shooter.
This one is on Gunbroker along with others. IMHO the Henrys just don't look right.
Buy Excellent Marlin 45/70 26" Barrel 1895 CB (Cowboy) JM Marked with Box: GunBroker is the largest seller of Lever Action Rifles Rifles Guns & Firearms All: 1048731121
www.gunbroker.com