In black bear hunting circles, the 45-70 lever action is highly regarded especially over bait. I am one of those who like big bullets at short range deer and bear. I bought the Marlin 1895 SBL specifically for short range hunting.

A lever action in 45-70 is a powerful friend on short range heavy timber shots. What is a shorter shot you ask? Most east coast whitetails are harvested inside of 100 yards and more likely inside of 60 yards in a woods setting. This makes the 45-70 lever guns so valuable. In addition, being a lever action, follow-up shots are much faster than a bolt rifle. On black bear, shoot’em till they drop if you can. 

Yes, I have rifles such as my 7mm Rem Mag to shine best at over 100 yards and well beyond but consider it out-of-place at very short range.

Of course, it was easy to talk myself into another rifle.

Have Fun, Shoot Often!