idunno, you are correct, single shot, breech loading with exposed hammer. Heres a link of examples: http://www.wlf.state.la.us/pdfs/hunting/regulations/primitivefirearms/primitive_weapons.pdf

im gonna be the odd man opinion. if your shooting like only 100 yards or so like most of us the 44 mag. using xtp-s or the new hornady leverevolutions are sweet. you can save some dough if you already have a h&r shotgun or new england firearms single shot. they can fit a 44 mag barrel on it. its not listed on the web site but if you call them on the phone they will tell you its like 90$ for the 44 mag barrel.

.45/70-better bullet weight selection than the .444....

The 45/70 is far more powerful than the 44 mag and more verisatal than the 444, more powerful also.
It can be loaded down to a very mild recoil level and still kill deer cleanly at short to moderate range then load it up to a level that will take any game animal on the planet if you so choose, although you will pay with heavy recoil.

I'd take the 444 Marlin... The reason being is, it kills deer better (read faster) than a 45/70 loaded with factory loads, and i don't have to put up with the heavy recoil and muzzle blast of the 45/70 reloads,after you jack them up!

DM

I really just wanted to hear some of your opinions. I don't think either will kill deer any deader than the other. I also feel that as long as the ranges are kept reasonable, the 44 mag will do a fine job. Does anyone have any idea how much recoil one would feel firing an H&R single shot in 44 mag? Like I said earlier, I am thinking about this one for my son. Most of what we hunt will have no more than a 75 yard shot.

I think you will find the 44 mag. will work out very well for your son at those ranges. Recoil isn't bad either, just take him out often and let him practise with it before going hunting.

DM

My advice - 45.70 Gov. But ... I have a Marlin Guide in 444 Marlin that is a great shooter. In my opinion, the recoil of both the 45.70 Gov. and 444 Marlin factory ammo will be tough for a young kid. As mentioned before if you can hand load, you can push the load down to a minimum safe charge and eliminate a good deal of the recoil. However the 44 Mag. will probably still be the way to go for your yound son. Just keep in mind that the 44 Mag. is no match at longer ranges for these other two cartridges.

Completely understood. I don't plan on him shooting more than 50-75 yards with the 44 mag. As far as my son is concerned, just how bad is the recoil on a 44 mag H&R?