I've been thinking about picking up an Uberti/Cimarron or Winchester/Miroku contemporary version of an 1873 Winchester, but I am trying to decide which chambering to get it in.
Before we go on, I'm not particularly interested in getting a Marlin or a Model 92. It's the '73 specifically that holds the mystique for me. So even though the stronger action guns offer more practical advantages, I'm not interested in advice to "just get a Model 92."
I'm not into CAS shooting, so I don't see myself pouring thousands of rounds through this rifle annually.
I have just wet my toes a little bit into reloading, but I'm not a serious reloader yet.
So, what I'm interested in is which caliber offers the best or most versatile utility for small and medium game. I picture myself taking the occasional deer or pronghorn and just dragging it along for camping and hiking. I'll be punching paper and cans otherwise.
.44 Magnum would be ideal, but it's not offered in the guns I'm interested in. I think Uberti offers it in a barrel-band carbine version, but I only like the rifle forend. I realize that you shouldn't really load up an 1873 action for grizzly-busting loads in .45 colt, which is a pity, but hey, I'll just carry bear spray anyway.
So which chambering do you think offers the most outdoor and hunting utility?
Before we go on, I'm not particularly interested in getting a Marlin or a Model 92. It's the '73 specifically that holds the mystique for me. So even though the stronger action guns offer more practical advantages, I'm not interested in advice to "just get a Model 92."
I'm not into CAS shooting, so I don't see myself pouring thousands of rounds through this rifle annually.
I have just wet my toes a little bit into reloading, but I'm not a serious reloader yet.
So, what I'm interested in is which caliber offers the best or most versatile utility for small and medium game. I picture myself taking the occasional deer or pronghorn and just dragging it along for camping and hiking. I'll be punching paper and cans otherwise.
.44 Magnum would be ideal, but it's not offered in the guns I'm interested in. I think Uberti offers it in a barrel-band carbine version, but I only like the rifle forend. I realize that you shouldn't really load up an 1873 action for grizzly-busting loads in .45 colt, which is a pity, but hey, I'll just carry bear spray anyway.
So which chambering do you think offers the most outdoor and hunting utility?