I would get a Henry. Tube loading for a rifle like this is actually an advantage to me as my wife (and soon my son) won't get bit by a razor sharp loading gate or sprain their thumb because it is so stiff.
I don't like the Golden Boy 22 LR because of its zinc frame with a brass plated steel sheath that slides over it.
.45 Colt would be my last choice in caliber, because I have seen so many rifles in that chambering that suffer from "blow-by"-gas flows around the case in the chamber into the shooter's face. It is caused by a combination of the relatively stiff walls of the .45 Colt cartridge and generous chamber dimensions. Light loads are the worst but sometimes increasing bullet weight or powder charge won't eliminate it. Then again, some rifles don't have that problem. Seems to be luck of the draw.
Rifles were not offered in .45 Colt in the 19th Century; .45 Colt was a revolver cartridge. Manufacturers started making them in the late 20th Century in response to the demand from cowboy action shooters.
Rifles were not offered in .45 Colt in the 19th Century; .45 Colt was a revolver cartridge. Manufacturers started making them in the late 20th Century in response to the demand from cowboy action shooters.
The thin brass at the case mouth of 44-40 or 38-40 allows the brass to expand and seal the chamber at the low pressures developed by Black Powder much better than the thicker case walls of 45 Colt.
Not to hijack the thread, but I once had a Marlin 39. NOT 39A, but just plain 39. Was my grandmothers and I believe her Dads before that.Nothing plated about it. The receiver cover is Zamak 5 as is the frame. It's a high tensile zinc alloy. The color on the cover goes all the way through and it's tough. I've had mine over 10 years and I'd still rather have it than a marlin 39A.