jake i once owned a marlin 45-70 & sold it to fund another gun . kinda sorry i sold it . but moved on. but i do have a cva 45-70 single shot with a leupold scope on it . my consider selling it . i know i my end up buying a single shot 350 legend due to my should injuries. you know how i like the 450 bushmaster. great cartridge.
also if you went with the 350 legend your kids could use also. but again it's not a 45-70. let me know & i'll talk to rob @ the gun store we stopped at & see what he can get you one for .