I think it is an excellent argument, that the capability was there and had been demonstrated in action even if the Army's planners had other priorities. Its privately funded use in the US civil war could have been a turning point in small arms doctrine and saved a lot of US soldier lives, instead of saving First Nations ones.

One thing I was wondering about with the later Winchester lever actions, was it possible to make a speed loading tube for them as is possible for the original Henry's?

-VR

"They copied all they could follow, but they couldn't copy my mind,
And I left 'em sweating and stealing a year and a half behind."