Description
Taylor’s 1866 Sporting Lever 45 Colt 20″ Barrel, Walnut Stock B, 10rd is a modern-made, high-quality reproduction of the classic Winchester 1866 “Yellow Boy” lever-action rifle. It’s chambered in the classic .45 Colt cartridge, features a 20-inch octagonal barrel, and comes with a beautiful walnut stock. This is a pure-fun range toy and a piece of history you can actually shoot, blending 19th-century aesthetics with 21st-century manufacturing consistency. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of cowboy loads through one, and the smooth action and satisfying *ka-chink* never get old.
Key Features
- Authentic 1866 Winchester “Yellow Boy” styling with color case-hardened frame and lever.
- Chambered in the timeless .45 Colt cartridge, perfect for cowboy action shooting or plinking.
- 20-inch octagonal barrel provides a classic look and good balance.
- Premium Grade B walnut stock with a straight-grip for a traditional feel.
- 10-round tubular magazine capacity for extended shooting sessions.
- Modern manufacturing ensures reliable function and a smooth, slick lever throw right out of the box.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 Colt |
| Barrel Length | 20″ Octagonal |
| Overall Length | Approx. 39″ |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds (Tubular) |
| Stock | Grade B Walnut, Straight Grip |
| Action | Lever Action |
| Finish | Color Case-Hardened Frame, Blued Barrel |
Look, this isn’t a tactical rifle—it’s a conversation piece that goes bang. The fit and finish on these Taylor’s & Co. reproductions are excellent, with deep bluing on the barrel and that distinctive, mottled case coloring on the receiver that looks like oil on water. The walnut has a nice, warm hue and decent figure for a production-grade stock. At just over 7.5 pounds and 39 inches long, it’s a handy rifle that points naturally. Here’s the thing—the action is where these modern reproductions shine. The lever throw is smooth and requires no gunsmithing required to get it running reliably; it’s ready for the range from day one. You can feed it a steady diet of standard-pressure .45 Colt ammo from brands like Winchester or Remington, and it’ll run like a top.
Who This Rifle Is For
This rifle is built for the enthusiast who appreciates history but demands function. It’s a perfect match for Cowboy Action Shooting competitors (SASS), collectors who like to shoot their pieces, or any shooter wanting a supremely enjoyable and iconic lever-gun for the range. If you appreciate wood and steel over polymer and rails, this is your rifle. It’s also a fantastic heirloom piece—something with soul that you can pass down.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Stunning classic aesthetics and craftsmanship. The .45 Colt is a low-recoil, fun cartridge to shoot. The action is historically accurate but built with modern precision for reliability. It’s a head-turner at any range. The 10-round capacity means less frequent loading during a session.
Cons: The .45 Colt cartridge, while available, is more expensive than common pistol calibers like 9mm. It’s a niche firearm, not a “do-everything” rifle. The open-top design isn’t as strong as a later 1873 or 1892 action, so stick to standard-pressure loads. That said, for its intended purpose, it’s nearly perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I shoot modern .45 Colt +P ammunition in this 1866 reproduction?
A: I strongly advise against it. The 1866 action, while well-made, is a replica of a 19th-century design. Stick to standard-pressure cowboy loads or equivalent .45 Colt ammunition to ensure safety and longevity. Always consult the manufacturer’s manual.
Q: Is this rifle suitable for hunting in Missouri?
A: With the right load and within its effective range (typically 100 yards or less), the .45 Colt can be used for whitetail deer in Missouri. However, its open sights and cartridge make it better suited for closer-range hunting. Always check current Missouri Department of Conservation regulations.
Q: What kind of maintenance does a rifle like this need?
A: Like any firearm, regular cleaning is key. Pay special attention to the tubular magazine and the action mechanism. Use good-quality gun oil on moving parts. The blued steel and walnut stock benefit from being kept clean and dry—a simple silicone cloth wipe-down after handling does wonders.
Priced at $1026.38, this Taylor’s 1866 represents a solid value for a firearm of this craftsmanship and niche appeal. It’s a legitimate piece of functional art. If you’ve been wanting to own a slice of the Old West without the collector-grade price and fragility of an original, this is the way to go. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See the full details on our site.
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