I'd discuss the details of the costs with a custom gunsmith. Then, you can decide which direction you'd be better at going.
But,, here's a example of things to consider.
Buy (2) base guns,, say you got them for $500 each. (I know,, low in todays market.)
Cylinders will likely run $250-$300 each.
And if you bought the base guns at $500 each,, then you'd have to have the barrels cut,, and that's likely to be $150 or so per barrel.
That would put you at about $1000 per gun.
Realistically, base guns will run you $600-$700 each, and the cylinders will go about $300 each, and barrel cutting another $150 or so. PLUS,, you'd likely need a re-blue on each gun after the cutting.
That put's them closer to $1200-$1300 each.
And you still don't know how they'd shoot.
Look for a pair of the 44-40's,, and you'll likely pay around $700-$900 each. And if they shoot just fine,, you'd be money ahead. If the accuracy is "iffy" then a custom gunsmith can do a few things to correct some issues fairly easily.
Choices, choices, choices.
I'd talk to a custom gunsmith first.