I just brought home a used 1895 45-70 and my first impression is that the ejection port is BIG ! :p Way bigger than my 336 30-30.

But seriously, there is a large gap beneath the bolt when it is locked into the breech. Big enough for trash to fall into and mess things up. Has anyone had anything drop into the action there? :o

Not yet, but would imagine if it got dropped on that side in a compost pile or dirt pile, you'd have some "foreign objects" down in the innards, sure 'nuff.

(that the ejection port is BIG ! Way bigger than my 336 30-30.)
Citation.

Well, the flat bold of the old time Marlins (95 model), which completely covered the receiver, is gone in favor of a round one, which has far more strength for the modern, hot loaded pills, like Garrett's.
We have to live with them, knowing, that we also have one of the strongest lever guns ever built (if not THE strongest).
Indeed, the old Marlins, with both sides of the receiver totally flat,
looked much better!