I stop at bass pro shop today in S.C. myrtle beach area and they had the 45-70 BC,all I have to say about the gun is well made,balance was excellent,but the 32 inch barrel turn me off,if the gun was 4 inches shorter I would have bought it,otherwise I really like the gun.
I did see the Handi they had 5 of them in 30-06 I was looking more for a caliber that is inexspensive to load and will work well ,I have loaded the 30-06 the last 35 years and just last year sold my A3-03 .I did own my springfield since 1968 and can say never lost a deer with Hornady 165 grain interlock bullets.
I did get a super deal on the gun,and going threw all 5 boxes for the best looking wood grain.Bass Pro shop price on the Handi was $199.00
I ask the saleman if they would match wallmart price of $189.00,he stated no problem,then I also open a bass pro credit card and they still reduce the gun another 10 percent,total for the Handi $170.00
I did also some research on the 45-70 the bullet is not a inexspensive bullet to load,the prices for dies,brass,and bullets are up there.I also thought since I shoot many flinter in 54 cal. and other m/l in 54 cal. there was no need for a heavy bullet,that my m/l will do as well.
Man I have not filled a 4473 forum since the late 60's when marlins levers were $69.00 bucks,and remingtons BDL were $129.00