Hey, Bent, to be sure i put my slippers on, went to shop, wrote down all the #'s i could find.
Top of barrel Shilo Rifle Mfg. Co.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,caliber 45 2 1/10 ,,,,,,,,,,,,, Montana 1889/1989 Centennial,,,,,,,,,, OLD Reliable.
Under forearm ( yup, took it off) # 3331---45---70______2 6/10____2 4/10 _____2 1/2(?) (how do they stamp those # so small)
Serial# C. 285xx, so much for not using my glasses (and brain).
I have never wanted to own a 45/70, I have 76 toggle links, BUT!!!! this rifle is really nice, hefty, eye appealing (sorry wiping slobber off) I just don't want to do PP, the nipple is still in very good shape, some screws are (can i say %^*wed-up) buggered up, bluing still nice, been mis-handled some. That Brass ring (it looks like brass) is actually the end of the barrel chamber, it is a percussion rifle. So, the question,,,, can it be converted to except cartridges ? Bent, i sure do thank you for your reply.
coffee's ready, Hootmix.