For what you want the 45-70 is a great choice. Can be loaded lighter so they don't hardly kick but still kill great. very proficient to the 200-250 yard distance with a scope. Open sites are fast but anything over 100 yards is a real challenge unless you have perfect eyesight. When it is dawn or dusk you will really appreciate the scope. I run a 1.5 x5 with a Bonne And Crocket reticle on mine and it is fast on target in the bush, gathers great light and makes 250 yard shots very doable. I have an 18" barreled one that is well tuned, with Skinner sights and scoped will consistently shoot 1/2" 3 shot groups at 100 yards. Gun is in as new condition. PM me is you are interested.
