I am brand new to this forum and am looking for advice.  I have been shooting/reloading/casting/swaging for more than 40 years and I do a lot of minor gunsmithing/tinkering.  I have decide I want a falling block style SS.  I have reviewed several posts on this subject, with many fine recommendations (CPA, Ballard, C. Sharps, etc.), however, I cannot afford $1,500 and up for a gun.  My research looks like my choices are Browning, Ruger, or Uberti.  My cartridge choices appear to be .35-55, 32-40, 40-65 or .405 Win (I don't want a 45-70).  I will primarily be shooting off the bench, at 100 yds, cast and/or PP bullets, experimenting to find that "magic" load for mini groups.  My interests are 1. accuracy, 2. strength, 3. realitively low recoil, 4. smokeless powder and 5. fun.  I am not looking to "hot rod" these as I plan on loading to "black powder" velocities or what ever gets me the "best" accuracy (accuracy defined as 1 MOA or less).  I apologize for the long post.  I just need HELP!  Thanks.

My opinion on it is that the Browning is by far a better built action-----but it is not one for casual tinkering.  You might want to look through the archives here for more information on them.  I have had a 45-70 for a couple of years and shot it quite a bit and never had the courage (or a need) to take it apart.  Sometimes it is even hard to find an honest 'smith who will take one on.
  If you are strictly going to use it for target work the .32-40 may be the best bet, If you want target accuracy and hunting potential as well the .38-55 offers more, and gives up nothing in the accuracy department---I chose it to build my hi-wall for that reason. It'll have a bit more recoil and consume a little more lead and powder, but I'm convinced that larger dia cartridges are relatively less sensitive to minute variations and easier to work with. The heavier bullets may have an edge in windy match conditions as well. 
Again JMHO

For accuracy with the original barrel it's very very difficult to beat the Brownings with the Badger bbls or the Pedersolis with Pedersoli bbls. Dangerous Dan the Torpedo Man (Dan Theodore) is the only person in the USA to win both ends of the Pedersoli MOA Challenge, and he did it with a Browning 40-65. Pedersolis routinely shoot right up there with the high-priced rifles and are generally more reliable too.

The Uberti accuracy is an unknown quantity to me so far, but I have a sneaking suspicion that their bbls may be about as good as the Badgers or Pedersolis if the bbl maker is who I think it is. Time will tell.
Good luck, Joe

If you're looking for an inexpensive, low recoil cartrdge rifle combo, I'd stick with the .38-55 or .32-40. With the edge going to the .38-55. The .32-40 is equally accurate, but if you plan to try to push past the 200 yd range anytime, the .38-55 is better. Also, the .38-55 takes a bit less work to get it to shoot tighter, at least this has been my experience.
The Pedersoli is a good gun, as is the Browning, but I think you'll find more Pedersolis available in the calibers you're looking for, than Brownings; and in these calibers, the Brownings usually run a bit higher.

Thanks very much for your replies and please keep adding any comments.  One note, I am a left-handed shooter.  Would this effect choice of action?  My first choice was the .38-55, with the .32-40 second (I like big bores).  Again all thoughts are appreciated. Merry Christmas to all.

   BJ  Just call C-Sharps and get one there Target-sporting rifles in 38/55. The last time I talked with John he said he had the smaller bores in stock ! You get one of the best rifles made with one of the best barrels made and for only $1190. You cant beet that and right now. I have been thinking of a new custom rifle my self and if I don't have my Ruger #1 bored out to 38/55 or 40-65 I am ordering a C-Sharps in 40-65.
    Good Luck >>Tombstone

Hi all:
I am another newbie with the same needs.
I can't afford the hi-dollar  custom guns.
I did call c-sharps and John said his on the shelf 38-55 was 
$2700-ouch. Thats way above my pocketbook.