Some interesting stats on the 45-70 Gov't in a revolver from the Magnum Research site, which is why I feel the "Gov't Bull" by Taurus would make a huge market splash and be viable:
------------------------------------
Adapted from Magnum Research site:
RECOIL
The BFR in 45/70 recoils less than any .44 Magnum that weighs under 3-pounds.
Recoil is a factor of bullet weight, velocity and gun weight.
Remember recoil is not a factor of size, just because it is physically large does not mean that it recoils large. The BFR simply weighs a little more than other revolvers because of its heavy design for powerful ammunition. The added weight makes the gun balance better, makes it easier to hold steady and makes it recoil less…Period.
The 45/70 will produce the same velocity as the 454 Casull with 2/3 less pressure, and a lot less noise and muzzle flash. This is because the 45/70 case is longer so it allows for different types of gunpowder to be used and the case has more room for the burning and expanding gases to expand. The end result is less pressure, less wear and tear on the gun, less noise and less recoil.
SAFETY
The BFR uses a transfer bar that will not allow the gun to fire unless the trigger is pulled back to release the hammer only after it has been fully cocked. There is no need to carry the gun with an empty chamber while hunting. The BFR will not fire if it has been accidentally dropped.
Special processes are used for heat treating critical parts.
All guns are proof fired after assembly to insure integrity of the entire revolver and its total function.
RECOIL OF FACTORY REVOLVERS AND LOADS
Formula: Add velocity to bullet weight and multiply that number by the velocity. Then divide by the weight of the firearm multiplied by 80.
BFR .450 Marlin, 10-Inch
4.5 lbs.
350-gr. Bullet
1814 FPS
109.04 Recoil Factor
BFR .45/70, 7.5-Inch
4.4 lbs.
300-gr. Bullet
1472 FPS
74.1 Recoil Factor
BFR .480, 7.5-Inch
3.75 lbs.
325-gr. Bullet
1409 FPS
81.44 Recoil Factor
Redhawk .480, 7.5-Inch
3.3 lbs.
325-gr. Bullet
1409 FPS
92.55 Recoil Factor
Redhawk .454, 7.5-Inch
3.3 lbs.
300-gr. Bullet
1600 FPS
115.15 Recoil Factor
Freedom Arms .454, 7.5-Inch
3.25 lbs.
300-gr. Bullet
1600 FPS
116.92 Recoil Factor
Super Blackhawk .44, 8-Inch
2.9 lbs.
240-gr. Bullet
1400 FPS
98.96 Recoil Factor
BFR .45/70 recoils less than all of the above guns including the lowly .44 Magnum with a 4 5/8-inch barrel. The advantages of the .45/70 over the .454 Casull are that the .45/70 is an extremely potent hunting cartridge that is loaded at EXTREMELY low pressures. The Casull is loaded at over 50,000 PSI and the .45/70 is loaded under 25,000 PSI. The .45/70 can be hand-loaded to exceed .454 Casull velocity and still be under 30,000 PSI! There is the big advantage. Much less recoil and half the working pressure means the guns will shoot better and last longer. Ammo is also a lot less expensive and more readily available. THE LONG .45/70 CARTRIDGE DOES NOT MEAN MORE RECOIL IT MEANS MUCH LESS PRESSURE BECAUSE THE POWDER HAS MORE ROOM TO EXPAND, GIVING EQUAL PERFORMANCE WITH LESS PRESSURE.
BFR VELOCITY WITH SELECTED AMMO
(All tested with PACT Chronograph)
.45/70, 7.5-Inch Barrel
300 grain Federal Sierra Classic, average 1472 FPS and muzzle energy 1444 FT/LBS
300 grain Winchester Super X, average 1272 FPS and muzzle energy 1078 FL/LBS
405 grain PMC, average 980 FPS and muzzle energy 864 FT/LBS
.45/70, 10-Inch Barrel
300 grain Federal Sierra Classic, average 1507 FPS and muzzle energy 1513 FT/LBS
300 grain Winchester Super X, average 1405 FPS and muzzle energy 1315 FT/LBS
405 grain PMC, average 1056 FPS and muzzle energy 1003 FT/LBS