Description
Picture this: you’re at the range, and the guy next to you is cycling a modern polymer pistol. It’s efficient, but it’s got no soul. Then you shoulder a rifle with a 20-inch octagonal barrel, feel the heft of genuine walnut, and hear the slick, four-click song of a true toggle-link action. That’s the experience you’re buying here—not just a tool, but a piece of mechanical art that makes every shot an event. For the shooter who values heritage over high-speed, this rifle is the answer.
The Navy Arms 1873 .357 Mag, 20″ Octagonal Barrel, 10rd, Turnbull Color Case Hardened is a faithful reproduction of the legendary Winchester 1873 lever-action rifle. It chambered in versatile .357 Magnum (and .38 Special), features a 20-inch octagonal barrel, holds 10 rounds in its tubular magazine, and is distinguished by its authentic Turnbull Color Case Hardened receiver. This is a top-tier replica built for serious cowboy action shooting, hunting, or collectors who demand historical accuracy and modern reliability without custom shop prices.
Let’s talk about where your money goes. At $2216.79, this isn’t an impulse buy—it’s an investment in a specific kind of shooting pleasure. The star of the show is the Turnbull Color Case Hardened finish. Unlike a simple blue or painted finish, this is a centuries-old heat-treating process that creates those mesmerizing, swirling blues, purples, and golds on the receiver. It’s durable, beautiful, and historically correct. Every rifle is unique, and it’s a finish you typically see on guns costing thousands more. That’s a major chunk of the value right there.
The 20-inch octagonal barrel isn’t just for looks, though it adds significant classic style. The octagonal shape and length contribute to a forward weight bias that makes the rifle point naturally and settle rock-steady for offhand shots. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it gives you serious flexibility. You can run full-power .357 for deer hunting (where legal) or softer-recoiling, cheaper .38 Special for all-day plinking and competition. The 10-round capacity is standard for the 20-inch barrel model and is perfect for Cowboy Action Shooting stages. The action is typically smooth and drop-in ready for competition, though a bit of shooting will slick it up even more.
The walnut stock is another area where this model separates itself from budget replicas. You’re getting a properly fitted, hand-rubbed oil finish that feels great in the hand and shows real wood grain, not a thick, plasticky urethane coat. It’s a shooter’s rifle first, built to handle thousands of rounds while maintaining its 19th-century charm.
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Barrel | 20″ Octagonal |
| Overall Length | Approx. 39 inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds (Tubular) |
| Finish | Turnbull Color Case Hardened Receiver, Blued Barrel |
| Stock | American Walnut |
Pros & Cons
The big pro is undeniable: you get authentic, high-end finishes (Turnbull case coloring, real walnut) at a price point well below a full custom gun. The .357/.38 chambering is a huge practical benefit for cost and recoil management. The cons? It’s heavy—that octagonal barrel adds real weight—so it’s not a mountain rifle. And look, it’s still over two grand; for pure function, a modern lever gun costs less. You’re paying for the art and the history.
Who is this for?
This rifle is for the disciplined budgeteer who saves up for one nice thing instead of buying three average ones. It’s for the Cowboy Action Shooter who wants a competitive edge and a gorgeous rifle without going full custom. It’s for the hunter who wants a legal, effective deer rifle for timber that also has a soul. And it’s absolutely for the collector who appreciates historical mechanics but wants to actually shoot their collection. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this rifle ready for Cowboy Action Shooting (SASS) competition?
A: Yes, it is. The Navy Arms 1873 is SASS-legal and a very popular choice in competition. Its action is smooth from the factory, and the .38 Special chambering allows for fast, low-recoil follow-up shots. Many shooters use it as-is or with minor action jobs.
Q: Can I use .38 Special ammunition in it?
A: Absolutely. That’s one of the key value points. You can shoot cheaper, milder .38 Special for practice and competition, and then load .357 Magnum for hunting or more powerful range work. Just ensure you clean the chamber after extensive .38 Special use to prevent carbon buildup.
Q: How does this compare to a Uberti or a Cimarron 1873?
A: Navy Arms, Uberti, and Cimarron all source their rifles from Italian manufacturers like Uberti or Pietta, so foundational quality is similar. The differentiator here is the specific Turnbull Color Case Hardened finish. Getting this finish applied after-market can cost $500-$800 alone. This model brings that premium feature at a bundled price, which is the core of its value proposition.
If you’ve been looking for a centerpiece rifle that blends old-world craftsmanship with practical, modern shooting versatility, this Navy Arms 1873 represents a clear point where your money buys tangible, high-end features. Check its availability on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.