44-77 and the Buffalo Runners

[coolhand]

Guys,
I have been doing a lot of reading recently about the Buffalo runners, and like many am interested in a "period correct" rifle. I have read a lot of posts suggesting that the 44-77 was one of the most popular. But in my reading of Mr. Gilbert's "Getting a Stand", I see on page 81 where they quote Sharps sales records. If I understand it correctly, they are saying that the 44-77 was one of the most popular only in 1870-1871. From 1872-1877 they quote that the 44-90-450 and the 50-90-473 were the most sold. Then if you read further along on page 145, they are listing the biggest kills by caliber. The 50-90 and 40-90 clearly stand out. So I'm just wondering what i'm missing? From that limited data it would seem the bigger 44-90 was much more used than the 44-77? Educate me. Thanks