FARMHANDYO: I totally agree. I can't think of another lever action that compares to the Winchester toggle-link system, for simplicity, speed and smooth cycling. The Uberti 1873 in 44 WCF(44-40), is about the closest you could possibly get, to an original Winchester, for authenticity in rifle and cartridge. I'm with you....these rifle really shine, when loaded with bp cartridges. I like the balance... "hang"... of the 24" barrel, too. The 20" version may be a bit "quicker" in some ways, but hard to beat the smooth swing of that long barrel.
I'd really like to see either Uberti or Winchester chamber one of their 1873's in 38-40. After having experience with one of these(an original, dated 1880), I've become very fond of this chambering. Would make a perfect companion to the 44 WCF.
I see Nibe's point about the .45 Colt. Since he already has a .357 revolver, it makes sense to stick with the same chambering in a companion rifle. Like most things in life, I believe its often better to stick to the KISS principle....especially when it comes to shooting. After witnessing the downside of mismatched ammo, or forgotten ammo at more than a few cowboy action matches....I prefer to keep things as simple and hassle free, as possible.
So: Stay patient....Nibe. Your 'perfect' rifle is out there.
The .45 Colt is very popular though, in the 1873 platform. The big Colt cartridge is a great cartridge for smokeless powder. Plus, it handles bp very well, too. The only downside with bp, is the tendency to get a lot of blowback into the action. Due mostly to the fact that the relatively thick, straight-walled Colt cases don't often expand enough upon firing, to form a good seal in the chamber. So...cases come out covered in soot. Crud and soot builds up in the action and can affect operation, unless addressed.
A squirt of Ballistol and a good wipe down of the bolt, lifter and lifter block mortise every few stages, solves that problem. Followed by a thorough strip and clean, once back home. I also lightly lube the links with synthetic wheel bearing grease. This seems to keep the carbon residue from building up into a thick, sticky paste on the links' bearing surfaces, as it does with petroleum-based lubes.
On the other hand, the 44's relatively thin-walled cases do expand and seal the chamber very well. Residue and soot is minimal, and the action remains very clean. In my view, the design of the 44-40 or .38-40 cartidge, makes them ideal for bp. They run well with smokeless, too. Opinions vary, about the "ideal" smokeless powder for this cartridge. I tend to lean toward Unique, or Universal. Likewise, with the Colt. Though HP-38/231 works quite well, in light loadings. YMMV.
Al
