Killer243-----Everyone needs a Big-Bore. A friend of mine used his 450 Marlin last year for his elk hunt. The big ole cow dropped in her tracks--"as if hit by the hammer of Thor !!" I don't know what is a good price on that Marlin. Go to www.marlinowners.com & post it there. I'm with you on the non interest on the 45/70. I got a 444 as my Big-Bore this past summer. Plan on using it this deer season. Good Luck & Good Hunting.