This has to be one of Ruger's nicest rifles - certainly this is very well finished and woodwork graining is superb. The 45-70 caliber was chosen partly because it is very versatile and, this gun can handle the max loads safely - pressures up toward the 35,000 CUP limit! Short of using a powder that is too fast burning, it is hard to exceed safe loads in this rifle as the case capacity will not permit more!
In category as a single shot lever action, this has the ambiance of a buffalo gun, despite its relatively modest size and weight. For sure, touch off a max load and it sure feels like a buffalo gun!! Extra weight could perhaps help in this rather light rifle.
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