[MainelyHunting]

I have just order my first 45/70 Marlin 1985. I too enjoy the use of iron sites at times. What I'v decided to do is mount my scope the same way I've had it on my Marlin 30-30 for years. I bought a scope mount from Kwik Site (the KS-336). This allows me a choice while hunting, I too once had a big buck at close distances get away due to snow on the scope.

[45Auto]

While I prefer iron sights on these heavy recoil cartridges/rifles, my eyes have changed enough so that unless the rear sight is hooded, I cannot focus on the front sight. These days, I like to use low power scopes, like the Weaver 1 x 3. Scopes like that have a long enough eye relief so I don't have to worry about the dreaded "scope-hit eyebrow". For pistol shooting I wear bifocal shooting glasses with a 1+ window; while the target is blurry, (that's as it should be anyway, if one's technique is correct) the front sight is in sharp focus. Since using these minor vision correcting glasses, my pistol shooting has actually improved.

[Myrddin]

I shoot 45-70 in a Marlin 1895G and Magnum Research BFR 45-70 in 10 inch barrel.

The Marlin 1895G is rated for 40,000 CUP. The BFR is rated at 31,000 PSI. Marlin is so "goosey" about reloaded ammo that they declare your warranty void if you use it. The Ruger #1 will suck up a 50,000 CUP load in 45-70. Choose your ammo carefully to avoid a possibly fatal mistake.