The 45-70 holds a place in hunting that few other cartriges can fill. It can go from mild to wild in the same gun. An awsome deer rifle and plenty for big bears or that stuff in Africa if you can afford to go there. With the lighter loads it's a pleasure to shoot, and as much fun as is legal with a firearm. The Marlin 1895 is as accurate as many bolt rifles, often capable of groups under 1" at 100 yds. I have access to my son's handi rifle and it to is a real shooter. These things are addictive!