Ok, tried the handi rifle today-not bad at all for recoil with the Ultramax 405 grain loads(light cowboy action loads). Makes me wonder-anyone here shot .45/70 in a 14 inch Contender/Encore? I was going to get one a couple years ago but after a couple horror stories by some local shooters I decided not to. I've heard stories about the round in a light rifle too, but these loads seem about equal to a 2 3/4" 20 gauge. If "typical" loads aren't "too bad" in the Contender(one person said he shot one wearing a motorcycle helmet and was still scared) I'd almost be tempted to part with my AR15 to get one. Might get one anyway, but want to know what to expect with a round like this in a handgun-I've fired up to a hot .44 magnum but never more than that in a handgun.