Bout 10 yrs ago I came upon a 1895 cowboy, LTD Serial # 9, in 45/70. It's still new in box, I never fired it.
Ive been hunting for yrs w/ a 1979 made mod 95 in 45/70, in the thick woods of northern Wisconsin, the 95 has never let me down.
I also have an 1895G in 45/70, it shot excellennt right from the box. I have never taken a deer with it tho. The l. o. p. is short, but I can fix that.
Last year I invested in a 336 XLR in 30/30. It will drive tacks @ 100 yrds w/honady leverlution ammo, with no recoil compared to 45/70. It's lots of fun to shoot.
I also have a 35 rem 336 and another 336 in 30/30, all excellent shooters and fun and easy to carry.
I have also gone back to my levers and single shots from the bolts.(custom Howas and Whetherbys.)
My all time favorite cartridge is the 45/70. Over the years I have aquired a collection in that caliber.
Enough rambling Dave C.
PS I haven't figured out my new Yamaha Guitar yet but I'm workin on it.