Gibbs Navy Arms 1873 Lever Action Rifle .357 Mag

Description

Picture this: you’re at the range, the sun’s low, and the distinct clack-clack of a lever being worked echoes down the line. That’s the sound of history, but with a modern practicality that makes this rifle more than just a wall hanger. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of .38 Special and .357 Magnum through this Gibbs Navy Arms 1873, and I can tell you, it bridges eras in a way few firearms can.

The Gibbs Navy Arms 1873 Lever Action Rifle, .357 Mag, 24″ Octagon Barre Turnbull Color Case Hardened is a faithful modern reproduction of the iconic Winchester 1873, chambered in the versatile .357 Magnum/.38 Special cartridge. It features a stunning 24-inch octagon barrel and authentic Turnbull Color Case Hardened finish, blending 19th-century craftsmanship with 20th-century ballistic efficiency for a shooter who values both form and function.

Let’s start with what hits you first—the looks. That Turnbull Color Case Hardened finish on the receiver isn’t just paint; it’s a meticulous heat-and-chemical process that creates those signature mottled blues, golds, and purples. It’s a finish with depth and history, and on this rifle, it’s executed superbly. Paired with the deep bluing on the 24-inch octagon barrel, this gun is a showstopper. It feels substantial in the hands, with that long octagon barrel giving it a heft and balance that’s pure classic lever-action. The weight, a manageable 9 pounds, soaks up recoil, making .357 Magnum feel like a .38 Special.

Here’s the thing—the real magic is in the chambering. The .357 Magnum/.38 Special dual capability is this rifle’s secret weapon. You can run inexpensive, mild .38 Special for plinking all day, then swap to full-power .357 Magnum for hunting or more serious target work. It shares ammo with a huge number of revolvers, like the Smith & Wesson 686 or Ruger GP100, which simplifies your logistics. The action is smooth right out of the box—no gunsmithing required to achieve that classic, short-throw lever stroke. It’s a tactile pleasure to operate.

The rifle feeds from a side-loading gate and holds a traditional tube magazine under that long barrel. The walnut stock has a classic straight-grip profile and a decent finish that fits the rifle’s overall premium aesthetic. Sights are traditional as well, with a blade front and notch rear, perfect for that authentic experience. It’s a rifle that demands a bit of skill and rewards it with incredible satisfaction.

Caliber	.357 Magnum / .38 Special
Barrel	24″ Octagon
Overall Length	Approx. 43.5″
Weight	Approx. 9 lbs
Finish	Turnbull Color Case Hardened Receiver & Frame
Stock	American Walnut

Pros: The Turnbull finish is absolutely gorgeous and historically accurate. The .357/.38 chambering is brilliantly practical for cost and versatility. The action is smooth and satisfying from the first lever throw. It’s a high-quality reproduction that feels authentic in every detail.

Cons: At $2301.96, it’s an investment, not an impulse buy. The 24-inch barrel makes it a long rifle, which can be cumbersome in thick brush. Traditional sights may not be for everyone, especially in low light.

So who is this for? It’s for the shooter who appreciates the romance of the Old West but demands modern utility. It’s for the hunter who wants a capable, medium-range deer rifle in .357 Magnum with unmatched style. It’s for the collector who shoots their collection and wants a centerfire lever gun that won’t break the bank to feed. And it’s for the Missouri outdoorsman who values a piece of American history they can actually use. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use .38 Special +P ammunition in this rifle?

A: Yes, absolutely. The rifle’s action is plenty strong for any standard-pressure or +P .38 Special load. The milder recoil and report make +P a great choice for a bit more oomph without the full .357 Magnum blast.

Q: Is the barrel rifled for .357 or .38 Special?

A: The barrel is rifled for the .357 Magnum cartridge. You’ll get excellent accuracy with both .357 and .38 Special rounds, though as with any dual-chambered gun, you may see a slight shift in point of impact between the two different cartridge lengths.

Q: What’s the magazine tube capacity?

A: With the 24-inch barrel, the tube magazine typically holds 10 rounds of .357 Magnum or 11 rounds of the shorter .38 Special. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases when shipping to your local dealer.

If the idea of owning a functional piece of art—a rifle that handles everything from tin cans to whitetail—resonates with you, this Gibbs Navy Arms 1873 deserves a close look.