You are correct about the1873 date.
Per Chuck Hawes book Early Metallic cartridges.
Winchester and Henry realized that a more powerful cartridge was needed on the western frontier, and that led to the development of the centerfire .44-40 Winchester cartridge. The steel frame Model 1873 rifle was designed for the higher pressure of the .44-40, using the basic Henry action.
The .44-40 was also adapted to handguns, where its rimmed design made it ideal for use in revolvers. It became one of the most popular cartridges for the famous 1873 Colt Single Action Army revolver, along with the classic .45 (Long) Colt cartridge, also introduced in 1873.
The 45 Colt was a not chambered in the rifles due to the small rim diameter and the cartridge was known for not chambering easily in a black powder fouled chamber.
This why I stated the early rifles were not chambered in 45 Colt and today's modern 45 Colt rifles used by Cowboy Match shooters are relatively new. I believe the army adopted the 45 because they had other rifles already in use.The people who wanted one cartridge for both rifle and hand gun favored the 44-40.
Last edited by saddlesore; 08/25/20.
