Recommendation: Carefully pull the action out of the stock....and check to see there are no cracks on the bottom of the receiver. And, I would not use Factory .45-70 ammo unless it's loaded with black powder of low pressure substitute. Although Remington is supposed to be safe, Pressure max on these rifles is around 18,000 PSI....pretty low...I recommend reloading for your own use...check out 5744 powder which is smokeless but safer in these receivers, and 777, and Blackthorn powder also....as well as good old Blackpowder. Worn barrels will still shoot pretty good with soft lead bullets. I shoot two model Trapdoors and use the above with good results and safety..