There may have been very few 44 1/2s made, but CPA Corp makes a dandy copy that's BPCR legal (for those who might care). People will buy an action and have a rimfire barrel fitted along with the centerfire choice. The triggers are exceptional. Owners also opt for accessory stock sets, so one could be optimized for offhand Schuetzen type competition, one for benchrest or even silhouette/hunting.

Probably won't find one for under a grand, though. Their prices have gone up, that's for sure.

Of the replica Sharps I've seen, the Pedersoli is probably the best.