The encore definitely has its advantages, but the No.1 would be my choice. It's a much nicer rifle, IMHO, and balances/feels a hundred times better than the Encore or Handi-rifles...the advantage of being able to get various bbls for the same receiver is something to consider, but I'm one that figures, if you're going to do something, do it all out, if I'm buying a bbl, might as well buy the whole rifle, especially when you're comparing buying a stripped encore bbl vs. a No.1!!!

Either will shoot quite well, the encore will beat you a lot more in the heavy calibers, but since the .45-70 is pretty well as stout as the encore gets, your shoulder is pretty safe.