That's a good analagy. I mean you could do that but it probably wouldn't be too bright ! It has been said that dead is dead. Well that is true. I think we would all agree that under ideal conditions the 45-70 is capable. I was just a bit suprised that on the Leverguns forum the 45-70 is worshipped as the Mother of all lever gun cartridges. I always that that was the 44-40

In either event the old cartridge is a good one. You just can not really make it into something it is not. I think some of theese writers that print such rubbish do our sport a great disservice. It leaves the average Joe with the impression that he can take his Marlin to Africa and be well prepared. I am always taken aback when I see people on theese forums make statements such as " I can not afford $1,000 for a new gun and scope but I have saved $10,000 for a safari" ! Yikes, man I think it is great to follow your dreams and all of that good stuff. If hunting ANY of the big 5 with a 45-70 or is your plan just count me out thanks. If I could not afford 1k for a scope and a gun I most assuredly would not travel to another continent to hunt. I do not believe that any of the rifles I travel with at this point have scopes alone that were under 1k. I do know one thing for certain. If I spent that much on a hunt and I could ill afford it the CFO would have me sleeeping in the Dog house for the next several years.