There aren't too many red dot sights out there that can handle the punishment a 444 will dish out. Aimpoint might be your best bet if you go with a dot sight. I have an EOTech on an AR15 that would be sweet on a lever gun, but I'm not sure how much recoil they can withstand.

From the sound of it, you already bought a 444. But if you didn't, my vote goes to a Stainless Steel Guide Gun in 45/70.