Right-on, Richard- why indeed.
: The Marlin maybe better for as scope, but a .45-70 doesn't need one for hunting it's hitable range.
: Out to 300yds. the factory irons of an '86, if slightly modified to a shallow "V" rear sight, will do just fine for all hunting.
: The Winchester beats the pants off the Marlin from the nastalgia or esthetics department. the Marlin it too far removed from it's roots to have the same type of "feel".