I have an 1895 Cowboy and an 1895 Stainless Guide Gun.
My wife shoots factory Hornady Leverevolution 325grn's out of the Guide Gun, 325grns at 1795fps, hit a 310lb buck at 250yrds, dropped him in his track. My wife is 5'3" and 125lbs, and has no problem with the Guide Gun.
The Cowboy has a lot more barrel to burn up powder, so it does a lot better on velocity. I haven't chrony'd my wife's factory loads through the Cowboy, but I'm pushing 2100fps with handloaded 325grn Hornady Leverevolution FTX's (deer DUMPER!). It kicks considerably harder, but it's still very manageable.
Very accurate rifles, and a supreme level of style! Get one while you still can, the word on the street is that the Cowboy Models have been discontinued after the "Marlington" take over.