Winchester 1892 in .44 Magnum
Better fit and finish that either the Marlin or Henry, smoother and more robust/stronger action, more accurate. The only real disadvantage it has is scoping it is a PITA, and it is about $1,000 so a bit more expensive, too.
For what it's worth, if you do Cowboy Action Shooting, the Marlin and Winchester 73 are the fastest, thus probably smoothest, rifles (the latter not available in 44 mag).
Henry's are real nice, and I have two of their lever guns, but the center fire pistol calibers are not competitive, and I see them jam often if you try and go too fast. As long as you don't want to do competition with them - they are fantastic.
I aim to misbehave ~Malcolm Reynolds
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Thx again for everyone's input. This'll be just for informal shooting.
a friend has a few Henry level actions, has told me he was disappointed in accuracy with both of them.
Talking with my gunsmith, his comments were that Henry's actions were not as strong as Marlins or Winchesters.
The Henry in 45-70 can take the same higher pressure rounds the Marlin 1895 can that are not suitable for the Trapdoor action. The Henry action lock-up in both the bigger cartridge, and the pistol caliber are really similar to the Marlin 1895 and 1894 respectively.
I aim to misbehave ~Malcolm Reynolds
Favorite Shooting Podcast