44-40 for Sale

Quick Look

Originally introduced in 1873 by Winchester alongside the Model 1873 rifle, the .44-40 Winchester became a staple Old West cartridge. Designed for both rifles and revolvers, it offered shooters a versatile load with consistent stopping power. Today, it remains popular among cowboy action shooters and historical firearm collectors.

Why It's a Top Choice

• Classic chambering for cowboy action competition
• Used in iconic lever-action rifles and revolvers
• Mild recoil with respectable terminal performance
• Reload-friendly bottle-necked case
• Widespread availability in historical firearm reproductions

Key Variants

Uberti 1873 .44-40

Faithful reproduction of the original Winchester, ideal for cowboy action events.

Cimarron Frontier .44-40

Single-action revolver true to 19th-century styling, perfect for reenactments and collection.

Winchester 1892 .44-40

Lightweight lever-action rifle with improved strength over earlier Winchester models.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.44-40	.45 Colt	.38 Special
MSRP	Varies by firearm	Varies by firearm	Typically lower
Capacity / Size	6-10 rounds	6-10 rounds	6+ rounds
Weight	Medium-heavy	Medium	Light to medium
Optics-Ready	Rare in classic builds	Limited options	More custom platforms
Trigger Type	Single-action / lever	Single-action	DA/SA or single-action
Notable Pro	Dual-use in rifle and handgun	Widely available loads	Mild recoil, high availability
Notable Con	Less modern firearm selection	Higher recoil than .38	Less stopping power

Best Use Cases

• Cowboy action shooting
• Western-era firearm collecting
• Historical reenactments
• Ranch carry (lever rifle)
• Range training with low recoil

FAQs

What is the difference between .44-40 and .44 Magnum?

The .44-40 is an older, lower-pressure cartridge; .44 Magnum is more powerful and modern.

Can I shoot .44-40 in a .44 Magnum revolver?

No. The cartridges are not interchangeable due to case shape, pressure, and chamber dimensions.

How does the .44-40 perform for cowboy action shooting?

It's a top choice due to low recoil, historical accuracy, and wide availability in replica firearms.