You might be able to pick up a used H&R Buffalo Classic pretty cheap. They were never expensive to begin with. I love mine. I've also got one of the newer 1895 Marlins, seems to be OK.
The first Winchester you mentioned would be an 1873, not '74. .44-40 is a great cartridge, but it's a whole lot short of a .45-70 power wise. The '73 is not a strong action, so while the .44-40 cartridge can be loaded to near .44Mag levels, the rifle might not like it.
The first Winchester you mentioned would be an 1873, not '74. .44-40 is a great cartridge, but it's a whole lot short of a .45-70 power wise. The '73 is not a strong action, so while the .44-40 cartridge can be loaded to near .44Mag levels, the rifle might not like it.
