Just out of curiousity Qball, what kind of price ranges are you facing? How many Kronos would a '73, '92, or '94 cost?
Through the years, I've bought 3 original 1873's. The first one - a .32-20 - went to the gunsmith for a rebuild (almost 14 years ago), and I haven't seen it since. Still fighting to get it back. The second one I bought at a gun show, the bore was so rotten, but the price was right. I traded it rather than stick a new barrel on it. And kicked my ass for the last 11 years, until I bought a shootable specimen this last fall. It will reside in my gun locker until I am dead. I also have an original '92 with a mint bore that I shoot all of the time. I would have to cast my vote to buy the suitable frame rifle in .44-40. If you want an 1894, get one in .38-55. That way you can load black powder or pyrodex in it with no worries.