I have a win '94 Little Big Horn in 44-40 that I bought new unfired (was made 30+ years ago) to use in CAS. While I was waiting my 28 days :barf: CAS folks were saying the '94 is no good for CAS, the mechanism (half of which hangs out the bottom when you cycle it) is too cumbersome and clunky to cycle fast (fast enough for CAS)
Too late, I had bought it
I thought, "they don't know what they are talking about", this one will be fine
WRONG
Jam after jam after jam (embarrassing on the line) I could not get it to cycle fast without jamming! Prior to the '94, the other rifles ('73, '92) when you crank it, the round comes up from the tube mag level and just punch in the breech.... the '94, the next round comes out and up at about a 45 degree angle and has to level into the chamber. If you try to do it fast, the round often slams into the top or sides of the breech (jamming) or standing up out of the breech slot, of failing to leave the ejection slot and falling back in.
With a '94, you have to cycle forward fully, cycle back fully (not too fast) and it should be fine. If you dont cycle it to the front stop (short cut/too fast) you will have trouble for sure.
Mine has the additional problem of a very tight breech block. The last 1/2" of closing the lever, is very tight, so tight, I cant cycle the lever on my shoulder, I have to lower the rifle to my hip to cycle & close it (to engage the lever safety) Very slow (too slow for CAS) Evidently it will free up with use, but I cant shoot CAS with it, so that use will take years... unfortunately
Now I have a Marlin 23" cowboy and all is well for me.... I still plink with the LBH..... beautiful rifle (carbine) just wont crank fast.