RE: what would a marlin run you?
I think they are running around $400 new. I'm not sure about the 45-70 but my .450 which is pretty much the same except loaded hotter has a pretty good kick. It feels like shooting a 12 gauge 3" or 3-1/2" magnum to me. A friend of mine said it felt like it kicked as hard as his .375 H&H though I don't think it is that bad. It is more of a shove than a sharp kick like most big rifles. You should be good for about 200 yards with the gun. If you get one I'm sure you will love it. I know mine everybody that comes up wants to shoot it and they all want to use it afterwards.