Nishnabotna,

I would go 44 all the way. It's more popular, better resale value. The .357 Lever is more of a novelty IMO.
Take that 44 and load 44spl's for home defence, wich are going to be moving alot faster out of a 20" barrel than they will out of a revolver. Potent Defence load.

Plus you can load it up with 300grain hunting loads and it will equal the ballistics of my 50cal muzzle loader shooting 300gr sabot loads. (around 1700 fps) That will put down any thing short of the Great bears at close range (100 yards or less), Not that they would bounce off a grizzley, just that you wouldn't hunt them on purpose with that round. (or I wouldn't)

Recoil is not an Issue, even the 300gr full house loads are about like a 30-06, slower on the shoulder, more of a push than a crack.

I like the Model 1894C



Ditch the stock rear sight in favor of a Ghost ring Aperture sight.