You said you reload. I think you could cover a lot of bases with the 45-70. Put a sling on the Marlin lever action and head off into that beautiful country. You will be king if you see the bear first.

I have been trying to convince my wife I need a 45-70 to go after the mean ole feral hogs around here in South Texas. Maybe if there were bears she would let me get one.

C. Davis