The gun is more than capable of handling 1 1/8 oz loads. That said, the problem with Smith guns has never been the bolting; but the stock. I have no experience with the '68-'71 Marlin repros; so have no idea if there were any improvements made by Marlin that would have strengthened the stock/frame contact point at the head of the stock. If such action was not taken, late Marlin/Smith stocks will still be suceptible to damage from excessive recoil caused by high shell pressures. Since most manufacturers still do not list pressures generated, I have elected to hand-load and regularly use 1 1/8 oz loads in my Smith guns, limiting pressures to 8000PSI or less. But if you don't handload there are companies like Polywad that specialize in low-pressure loads for "vintage" doubles. Finally, if you plan to shoot this gun a lot (and why not, they are tons of fun to shoot); consider having the head of stock glass bedded to increase strength in critical areas prone to damage.