all purpose lever-action?
Through an unfortunate set of circumstances, my Tikka T-3 was stolen this week. I have gone through the grieving process, and am ready to enter a long term relationship with another firearm. Much as I loved the Tikka, I'm thinking that the dense brush and timber i hunt in is much more suited to a lever action with open sights, so that's the direction I'm moving in. for a variety of reasons, I'm kinda taken with both the Marlin 1894 stainless in 44 Mag, or the 1895 stainless in 45-70.
I'm looking for input on one of these v. the other and any insight is welcomed. couple things to consider:
1. I'd like this firearm to have the broadest range of potential application, gamewise. I'd like something i can use from whiteail to moose and bear.
2. most of my hunting situations involve game at 75 yards or less, so I've ruled out a variety of other cartridges.
3. I don't reload, so i'm gonna be limited to factory ammo.
4. recoil isn't an issue for me, but is is for my sons, who might have occassion to use it I know the 44 mag recoil is nominal, but don't know about the 45-70. The Tikka had a composite stock, and chambered in 30-06 was just too much for them.
your thoughts are welcome, and appreciated in advance.