Pedersoli have a fine reputation. Starting out, the 45-70 is standard. It can be pretty rough on the shoulder itself after a session, and as you move up the ammo/ components get pretty pricey for starting out. The 45-90 and 120 can be downright brutal and not fun at all to shoot, even for heavily built and experienced shooters.
New England arms makes a well built 45-70 along traditional lines which has gotten quite popular and is very affordable. It isnt as purty as perhaps the Brownings, Pedersolis, etc. but can shoot just as well in experienced hands, and the design has been around since buffalo days.