What type of scope would work well with this caliber? I have heard that some scopes just can't deal with the recoil. Also what power?
I was thinking a 2X7 would work well. Thoughts?

I'm of the old school and think a scope on a lever action is like putting putting an afterburner on a Spad biplane.
If I found the need for a scope on my lever actions I'd use a 1.5X to 5X, 2X to 6X or more likely a 4X. Leopold or a Leopold would do the job nicely.
Jim

That's a possibility. I haven't done much shooting with iron sights. Prhaps I will see how well I can do. If it doesn't pan out, I beleive I may put a fixed power on it.

Putting a scope on a lever action is blasphemous in my opinion. You might give a good receiver sight some thought.

I would reccomend a 2.5x compact leupold.............it is the toughest scope going around and is very small so as to suit the styling of a lever gun. It is what my 45/70 Marlin wheres, I reckon a 2-7 is over scoping a lever gun.

I must admit I never thought about just improving the iron sights. I really like the idea and challenge. I also have no idea about what type of iron sights to look at. I would be putting them on a 444S. Advice?

I've got a Williams reciever site on my Siamese Mauser 45-70. It works real well but is a bit tinny, not of the highest quality and best construction. The site has been on the rifle for 30 years without a problem.
I've got Lyman #66 sites on a Winchester 1886, 45-70, after using a tang site. The tang site proved to be a problem because I could not put my thumb over the grip without getting a painful thump. I put #66 Lyman on a Winchester 95, 30-06, with good results.
I'm getting around to putting a brand spanking new Redfield reciever site on my Winchester 05, 405, eventually. This site will require a bit of machine work to make it work. It's been sitting in someones house for the past 40 years, unused.
Jim