Personally, I would never consider Epson dot matrix printer unless Panasonic stop producing dot matrix printer altogether.
The main problem with Epson dot matrix printer is the ribbon cartridge, the exposed length is at least 8inches long, which also meant you got a 8 inches exposed ribbon subjected to dusts and dried much faster than panasonic ribbon cartridge, which exposed about 1cm of ribbon.
Been there done that, Epson ribbon cartridge lifespan is only 10-20% of Panasonic ribbon cartridge, cheaper than Epson as well.
I printed the D/O (1+2NCR) and invoice (1+3NCR) with ease using Panasonic dot matrix printer, the last copy (4th) NCR paper is still very clear, I think 1+4 is possible using the 9pins variant. If you want economical dot matrix printer, go for the 9 pins model for 1+4, 24 pins model rarely able to punch that hard as compared to 9 pins model. Not forgetting replacing a broken 24 pins print head will cost you as much as 1/2 the price of a new printer, a 9 pins print head can get as low as $20 OEM.