Thanks Allan, but I can't help ya on the Sportsman, not much experience, I have a camo Sportsman that was on my 357 Max for a while, but it's been replaced with a Swift 2-7x40 on the 35 Remington. I'd go for the Banner if you can, not much more money, and it has an excellent reputation on a 45-70s. The only caveat is the large power ring and eye bell, it makes mounting in high rings manditory unless you do a little grinding on the tip of the hammer spur and modifiy the fit of the extension so it sits low on the hammer.
Tim