Congratulations tanoose!!!, do you have a hammer spur on that hammer? That's just what they are for, being able to safely and securely grab and cock/decock the hammer with a scope attached. Usually the lowest rings that allow for scope clearance are best. How does the 45-70 barrel fit in the barrel channel in the Mannlicher stock? My stock will hopefully be here monday, they charged my credit card last week. It seems that either the 45-70 or 30-30 barrel is a natural for the Mannlicher stock with the 45-70 probably the best and most natural combination. Let us know how it shoots!!!...<><.... :grin: