I have a Marlin .30-.30 now, obviously not the same animal, but I would like to step up in caliber to see if I can become proficient with it.
If I can and I can maintain a certain level of proficiency I might try competitive shooting.
I like Lever Rifles, I know they are not “sexy” or “tactical” but the simplicity for lack of a better word appeals to me.
So you want, not need s 45-70. More power to you. I view this round as short range game getter. A lot of folks use it for very big game or even self defense against big game (bears, etc.). But, there is also a lot of folks competing with them too, though in this use, they usually go for longer barrels.