About the only con that I see to the #1 is that they are slightly slower to reload than a repeater, but since ejection is automatic, they reload faster than many suppose. The magnums come in a 26" bl, which is great for powder burners. They are also shorter overall because they have short actions. My #1 is a 45 70, but that is because I go places where critters eat your horse. You can pick your cartridge for your terrain. If I lived in Montana or Idaho, I would want a flat screamer, too.