Originally Posted by NFrameFred

The best value is the Rossi, in my opinion. I have the Rossi in 45 Colt and and in a limited edition short run stainless in .357 (before they were regular catalog items), and the Marlin in 44 mag - all older models. I've owned the Winchester in 38/40 and loved it - just didn't make sense to keep it after I sold the SAA.

Any of those first three calibers are practical but the .357 may be the most versatile in the long run.

The appeal of all of these is the ability to have one ammo for a sidearm as well as the rifle you have in the field. Not the best solution for most situations but better than many alternatives and a nice compromise and sound decision logistically for humping weight any distance.