All,
Thank you for the fine comments on Bob and his gun making. I am fortunate to own two of his creations. Having shot this Beretta .45-70 rifle and being very pleased with it, I have no plan to modify it. In fact, it will be my first choice for an upcoming October boar hunt.

I also have plans for serious range time with a variety of compatible .45-70 factory ammo gathering dust in my gun closet and will report results upon completion.