You're not the first to be interested in this rig. I posted the same question on here a few months ago. After a few chimed in, I do believe I would still rather have the .45-70. True, the .500 would fit the bill you described above, but so does the .45-70, and the .45-70 will do it much cheaper than the .500 probably ever will. Either way, you will still end up with a very nice, compact and fast handling gun that probably couldn't be beat in the woods. What ever floats your boat!!!