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Your J.Stevens M-44 has got to be one for the record books.  One of the reasons the CPA reproduction Stevens 44 1/2 have a frame width that is wider than that of the originals from J.Stevens is so that a 45-70 chambered barrel may be screwed into the CPA frames.

WARNING--Do not attempt to do that at home ! ! (Or any other place for that matter)




As an aside -- the U.S. Arsenals (probably Frankfort) loaded 45-70 cases with shot loads and issued such shells to cavalry troops on the frontier to facilitate prairie chicken hunting and thereby supplement the mounted troop's diets with protein.  Of course, this variety of ammunition was shot from the regular Springfield trapdoor carbine length rifled barrels, not smooth bores.

From my Navy Service, the Navy used Smoothbore single shot rifle actions in 45-70 caliber to throw (messenger) Lines between ships to haul heavier (weight carrying) lines across for 'Replenishment at Sea'.  I know they used Blank loads to push the line carrier and the loaded and ready to fire weapon resembled a rifle Grenade launching rig.

From later news videos I have seen I think they are still using the same system.  The line used is a Very Heavy bright Orange braided 'fishing line' type of material. 

Best Regards,
Chev. William