I am such a lucky guy. Yesterday at a local gun show I ran across a guy trying to sell a still new in the box Marlin Cowboy 1895 Davidsons limited edition 45-70 that he had purchased in 1997. It has the half octagonal, half round barrell and great wood. I had listened long enough to you guys lament over this cartridge and decided that the price was too good to pass up the opportunity.
Now the questions:
1. I want to finish equiping this rifle and am considering sites. My 53 year old eyes are acustom to scopes but I read a lot about the Williams Fool Proof set up. Do old eyes manage OK with this arrangement on deer under 150 years or should I save my money and just mount a scope? I kind of hate to change the beautiful lines of this weapon but business is business. I have a Burris compact fixed 4x already that could work I suppose.
2. The rifle comes with a plastic looking butt plate, so I suppose a quality recoil pad is in order. I have heard comments about Pacmeyer and Limb Saver but do not remember the remarks in relation to this particular rifle.
Any suggestions? I suspect that moderate loads will be used since these deer are not not particularly tough.
3. Having owned and shot many varied guns over my lifetime, I humbally confess that no one had ever taught me that a lever action could be cleaned from the breach end. NO telling how much crud I shoved from the bore to the breach of my old thurty-thurty! Could one of you please supply me with a link or instructions on how to work from the breach end properly? Thanks.
4. Thanks to all for the hand loading info. on this caliber. Any other related faqs are appreciated. Thanks, Gary
