Been some years, but took one with a rifle and another with a 6" S&W. I'd not hesitate to try up to 150 yards, given sights I could make the shot with. My current .44 wears irons, so 100-125 in good light would be a prudent limit.
If I were shopping for a .44 rifle, I'd get a Henry SS and scope it, for about the price of a Marlin or 77/44 alone.
