RE: what would a marlin run you?
Hi Duke:
The Marlin GG will run about $450 in .45-70. I load mine with 52 gr of IMR 3031 and a 405 gr Rem JSP,it kicks harder than my SAKO 416 with a 300gr bullet, the marlinis ALOT lighter. In any event, the recoil is still quite bearable, even with extended sessions on the bench. I can get much better loads with jacketed bullets than cast, and get < 2" groups. I have a leupold 2.5X scout scope mounted and Decelerator pad.
Good luck,
CE