303,

Yes, the 45-70 is a great cartridge out to 150yds (where most hunting is done anyway) and it hits like a freight train. I have hunted with a Marlin lever action scoped with a Leupold 1-4 x 20 and it did everything emphatically. However, I'll second '500grains' thoughts on the trigger. It does need a little work that any competent gunsmith can carry out. Also, I stuck on an inch thick recoil pad not only to soften recoil but also to lengthen the pull as well. What I like best about Marlin is that you can clean the barrel from the breech end very easily.