I found a used Rossi in 44-40 in Gander Mt. I walked out the door with it for under $100.
After raising the rear sight to the max it was still 10" low at 25 so it took it to the shop. Had front sight filed down and added a brass bead. Added Marbles tang peep swivel studs and had the cresent butt stippled. It was going to be the 100 dollar who cares if I roll the quad with the gun in the rack gun. It is now a fine shooter. And I will care if I roll the quad with it in the rack. I thought the trigger was better than on my Browning 92, but the smith said he made it a little better since he had it apart anyway. For no charge!
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And yes I have rolled the quad with an orig 44-40 Win 73 in the rack. I nearly broke both my wrists keeping the weight off the gun.
I think the prices you are dealing with do seem high. Will they come down some it you ask?