71 shooter,
When you read some of Linebaugh's musings about testing the Rugers for strength, it becomes apparent that one really has to work hard to do damage to their frames. The cylinders are the weakest link and way below the level that would result in frame damage. In other words you just about can't build a strong enough cylinder that won't let go way before the frame.
And you can do a whole lot more with the 45 at lower pressure than what it takes to do the same with a 44 at higher pressure. So what you give up in cyl wall, you gain back in 45 performance. Of course the 5 shot cylinder's main advantage in either caliber is to move the cyl notch between chambers in the thickest part of the cyl wall. But in practical terms for a carry gun, that makes an old model a 4 shooter. However, I still wouldn't worry about a six shot 45 cyl. with a properly heat treated/tempered cylinder like a Linebaugh or Bowen.
The new model transfer bar has no relationship to the cyl whether 5 or 6 shot, and therefore not affected at all. It's trigger actuated and travels the same distance whether a 5 or 6 shot cyl. The cyl hand (pawl) is the only change required for a 5 shot cyl; it must be slightly longer (and not always, but usually), than a 6 shot hand to move the cyl 72 degrees with each hammer cycle instead of 60 degrees with a 6 shot cyl.
I say go for it!
Sidebar:
I presume your screen alias comes from the love of the M71 Winch in 348. It's also my favorite lever gun. I also shoot a M94 Big Bore in .356 cal. Of course that's just a rimmed version of the Winch .358 bolt action round and .348 replacement cartridge. The .356 can be a real stomper in the same realm of its grandpappy, the .348. Both of which have their range extended way out there when handloaded with modern Hornady leverevolution soft tip pointed bullets giving them a brand new lease on life. These are safe in magazine rifles and wipeout the only real shortcoming these guns ever had, the limit of round nosed bullets.
Let us know what you decide.
