How did I miss this post?
Kirk....44-40's that are accurate are MUCH harder to find than 38-40's that shoot that good. It's a long story but most 38's are accurate while 44's are only so-so. In owning probably 20 of these rifles in both calibers over the years I have had two 44-40's that were tackdrivers like yours, an 1873 and a Marlin 1894 that has a .425 groove diameter with a perfect bore. All of the rest have been OK, but nothing to write home about...3-4" at 100, some 12 inchers. Never did I own an 1892 that shot as good as yours. About 6 months ago I snagged a like new 1892 oct. that was made in 1912 and no matter what I tried, the best it would do was 3"......at 50 yards. Sold it.
On the opposite side of the fence, I have never owner a terribly inaccurate 38-40 with one 1873, made in 1885 being a near moa gun. But in all fairness, that gun is not much different than new. (That gun is coming with me to the Regional Silhouette Championship next month)
You know, I don't think your that far from upstate Pa...McKean Cty. Rifle Club is only a few miles from Bradford, Pa. We have other people who regularly shoot at this club who are from Canada. Come on down! We 1954 babies are not getting any younger. Look at the map, either Ridgway, Pa. (Ridgeway Rifle Club.Com. or something like that) or McKean County Rifle Club...or something like that.
It's all fun and games at these shoots and of course, show off time with our favorite shooting irons.-----6
