Every couple of weeks I go down and check out one of these chambered in 45 Long Colt. Fit and finish are great. It is a beautiful rifle. It is very expensive, over $1100 and I have not been willing to make an investment in shooting a new caliber. If all you want is a 44 Mag lever gun - check out the Marlin Model 1894 Cowboy, an excellent gun for a lot less money.
I’ve fired one of the Marlins- they are pretty good. These Ubertis are good looking guns if nothing else. I’m just mostly looking for more info on them. Your advice is well taken though- from a cost/benefit point of view you are certainly correct- that Uberti ain’t cheap....