44-40 and Winchester 1892?

[rWt]

I see a fair number of antique Winchester 1892 rifles for sale. Plus, the round seems to continue to be of interest to Cowboy Action shooters.

Outside of Cowboy Action competitions, is the 44-40 a useless round? It seems like the 44 Magnum has taken over.

I have to confess that an early 1900's 1892 has appeal that current makes do not. I realize that current makes are stronger and well suited to heavier calibers.

[Encore64]

Surely, everyone knows I toppled over when I read this post.

While you don't mention if you're a handloader, the 44-40 is far from useless.

As with many vintage cartridges, dimension variations can be problematic. But, some early loadings of the 44-40 were hotter than 44 Magnums.

In the right guns, it's a dandy to this day...

[bigbore5]

Any round that can be safely fired is not useless.

The 44-40 has been in use this long because it is a good round and has a long history of working just fine.

[bitterroot]

I've never met a pistol cartridge lever action rifle that I didn't love, especially the 1892 (and its variations) in the dash calibers.

[z1r]

The .44-40 in a '92 is no slouch. I knew an old cowboy in Texas that killed several truck loads of deer with a '92 chambered in .44-40. It was well over 100. A 200 to 215 gr bullet driven at the velocities a Carbine can produce is an excellent brush gun. I've shot a S&W N frame in .44-40 since 1987. In a modern revolver, believe me, it is no slouch. I recently picked up a Rossi 92 in .44-40 as well as Ruger Vaquero and look forward to shooting both. You don't need to necessarily need to load to 44 Mag pressures to enjoy the cartridge in a '92. If the '92 speaks to you, I cant see that you will be disappointed. Be sure to get yourself a Lee Factory Crimp Dies, and use Starline Brass.

[putnro01]

Where are you seeing these "fair number" of 92s in 44-40 for sale? I'm in the market for one (24" barrel is preferred).

Click around on the Chasing the 44-40 website for some fun reading on the round. sites.google.com/view/44winchester/chasing-the-44-40

[rWt]

Thank you all!!

Gunbroker and Gunsinternational both have 1892's for sale-typically at high (but you can have it now) prices.

[LeverGunner]

Sure the 44-40 is still useful, its not as powerful as 44 magnum, but that much power isn't needed for most applications. I'd love to find an original rifle, throw in a couple original moulds and loading tools for my order too!