I have had 3 #3's...30/40 45/70 and 223. They are good guns. I tried to load the 45/70 super heavy, it Broke 2 stocks, got a nasty from Ruger saying no no we wont fix it agin...They DO kick the crap out of you with heavy loads.....I have killed my last 3 elk with a 45/70 2 with a Sharps and one with a Marlin LA..Love that cartridge........Off on Friday morning to shoot one more in Colorado..