Love to have both - but - without a scope, the '06 might not get a lot of hunting or shooting, for me. We all have preferences, of course, as we are all individuals and thank the Lord for that.

I can think of no better guide gun or general big game hunting rifle here, than a .45/70 (or similar big bore) double rifle with iron sights. I shoot a lot with iron sights - 27 pounds of powder in the last year alone with iron sights. The double .30/06 cannot fill the criteria for a good guide gun as it lacks the necessary punch/knockdown/killing power needed on those rare, but sometimes necessary occurances. It will kill any game in North America and most in Africa, but it is not a North American stopping rifle for wounded moose, wounded elk or wounded big bears - the .45/70 alone between them has that potential - if fed appropriately. Eastern 300gr. deer hunting loads need not apply for this job.

If descent loads kick too much, learn to shoot it, mount a good pad, or wear one, but shoot it until it's a part of you.