I'm looking for the difference between the green and red cased lyman Rugers also looking for aproximate value and potential as a shooter. Any one here shot or owned one?
Thanks
Tom

Fitz, wasn't that Lyman a steel tube, not brass? I had the one in the green case, and mine was steel.
 
The difference between the red cased Ruger Lyman and the green case was significant. The red cased one was only made in a quantity of 100 ( I think) and had gold inlays, and a more deluxe model. The green cased one was also "engraved" but no inlays, and I think about 2500 were made.
As Fitz said, the mounts worked, but were useless for any range over 75 yds. I removed the bases and swapped the front for a shorter base, and the back for a taller base. I could easily adjust to 200 yds impact with different scope bases after the change. Both scope bases fit into the 3/8" dovetails for front and rear sights, so the change was simple.
The mounts held up well, just wrong height for the application. Sold mine a few years ago in like new condition, (but fired) for $1500.

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Tom,
I have one of the Ruger / Lyman 45/70's and it shoots very well. The one I have is in the green case, the Info I received from Ruger is that there were 100 hand engraved ones made 
( in the Red case ) and 1000 etched ones made ( in the Green case ) mine also has the "steel tube" Lyman scope. 

I've seen a few of these but never seen one with a brass scope. I also had a problem not being able to get it zeroed in with the bases that were on the gun from the factory, it was not a problem to find the proper height bases and that solved the problem. However both my bases were screw on type, not the 3/8" dovetail type like  marlinguy had. 

Sorry to say that I will have to sell it sometime this year because of my health. I just cant handle it any longer, I will be asking $ 1500. for it, it's like new but of course has been fired. I kind of doubt that you will find one of the 100 hand engraved ones ( Red Case ) for any where near the price of the ( Green case ) ones but good luck in your search. 

After reading all the bad stories about shipping, and because of the weight and size of the gun and case, I will not ship it, so it will be sold locally or at one of our local gun shows to some lucky guy, if anyone here is interested and would drive to the Scranton, or Allentown, PA  area to pick it up let me know, and it will be yours. 
  S-T

I hear what you saying  marlinguy. I was a lot younger when I bought the one I have, it seems that the older I got the heaver the gun got. Your experience is about the same as mine, the Red Case ones cost about double the cost of the Green Case ones, Tom said he sees them priced about the same. We must be shopping in the wrong places. I agree, they should have at least put handles on them, or wheels, or like you said wheels and a motor.
  S-T