I wouldn't bet too much on the doubles being faster than them '97's. I have seen guys runnin' them that know how to run'em and holy cow!!! I'm still tryin' to master my double.
The '73's can really be turned into "race" guns, that's why they are real popular.
I have worked on the wife's 1894 Marlin, that gun will run as fast as one can run it. I'd suggest if you get a Marlin run the .357 OAL length, her gun REALLY prefers them.
Don't worry about running "Vintage" guns, you'll ruin them. They were not made for racing. The Ruger Vaquero's are pretty bullet proof, both the wife and I run them. Uberti "Cattlemen" are good too, I own a pair of them also.
If you are looking at doubles, make sure that you can cock BOTH barrels at the same time. I had some "Vintage" guns that took a come-a-long to cock!
Well, gotta go to a gun range meeting, see ya later.
Knarley
