Description
Picture this: you’re at the range, and the metallic clack-clack of a polymer-framed striker pistol starts to feel a bit… ordinary. You want something with heft, with history, with a mechanical symphony in its action. You want a rifle that bridges the gap between a classic cowboy silhouette and modern, affordable ammunition. That’s the niche the Taylor’s 1873 Lever 357 Rem Mag 20″ Octagon Walnut Stock CH Rcvr Blued Barrel fills perfectly—it’s a traditional lever-action rifle chambered in the versatile .357 Magnum, offering a timeless design without the cost and recoil of its bigger .44-40 or .45 Colt ancestors.
Here’s the direct answer capsule: The Taylor’s 1873 is a modern reproduction of the classic Winchester 1873 lever-action rifle. It features a 20-inch octagonal blued barrel, a case-hardened receiver, and a genuine walnut stock. Chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special, it provides a historic look and feel with the practical benefit of using widely available, cost-effective ammunition. This rifle is a solid choice for plinking, casual competition, or hunting at moderate ranges.
Let’s talk about the value proposition. At $1110.51, this Taylor’s model sits in a sweet spot. You’re getting authentic 19th-century aesthetics—like that distinctive octagon barrel and color-case-hardened frame—without venturing into the territory of custom-shop or antique firearm prices. The real budget-saver, though, is the .357 Magnum chambering. You can feed it full-power .357 for serious work, but for practice, cheap .38 Special rounds are plentiful. That means you can spend more time shooting and less time worrying about your ammo budget. This rifle typically fits out of the box with standard lever-action accessories, like sling swivels designed for similar models, requiring no gunsmithing for basic setup.
The key features start with that 20-inch octagonal barrel. It’s not just for looks—the extra mass out front helps steady your aim and gives the rifle its classic, authoritative balance. The case-hardened (CH) receiver isn’t just blued steel; it has that unique, mottled color pattern that changes with light, a hallmark of 19th-century finishing techniques. Paired with the deep bluing on the barrel and the rich, oil-finished walnut stock, this rifle has a presence that modern synthetic-stocked guns simply can’t match. The action is smooth, leveraging a design proven over 150 years, and the chambering is its biggest modern concession. The .357 Magnum from a 20-inch rifle barrel gains significant velocity over a revolver, making it a capable round for deer-sized game within 100 yards, while remaining mild-mannered with .38s.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Barrel | 20″ Octagon, Blued |
| Overall Length | Approx. 39 inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 10+1 Rounds |
| Finish | Case-Hardened Receiver, Blued Barrel |
So, what are the trade-offs? The pros are clear: historic aesthetics, a versatile and affordable dual-caliber system, and a smooth, satisfying action. It’s a rifle that’s simply fun to shoot. The cons are inherent to the design. It’s heavier than a modern carbine, the tubular magazine is slower to load than a detachable box, and the open-top action isn’t as debris-resistant as a sealed modern rifle. That said, for its intended use—recreational shooting, cowboy action competition, or short-range hunting—these are acceptable compromises for the experience it delivers.
Who is this rifle for? It’s for the shooter who appreciates mechanical heritage but has a practical eye on the ammo bill. It’s ideal for a Missouri hunter looking for a brush gun for whitetail, or a casual competitor in local cowboy action shoots who needs a reliable rifle that meets category requirements. It’s also a fantastic introduction to lever guns for a new collector, as the .38 Special practice rounds make it incredibly approachable. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide where compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use .38 Special ammunition in this .357 Magnum rifle?
A: Absolutely. This is one of its best features. The rifle will safely fire both .357 Magnum and the shorter, milder, and less expensive .38 Special rounds. Just be sure to clean the chamber after extensive use of .38 Special to prevent carbon buildup.
Q: Is the Taylor’s 1873 suitable for modern hunting?
A: Yes, with the right load. With proper .357 Magnum hunting ammunition (like offerings from Buffalo Bore or Underwood), the increased velocity from the 20-inch barrel makes it a ethical choice for deer and similar game at reasonable ranges, typically inside 100 yards. Always check your local regulations.
Q: How does it compare to a Henry or Rossi lever gun?
A: Taylor’s focuses on faithful historical reproductions. Compared to a modern Henry, the Taylor’s 1873 has a more traditional loading gate (vs. a tube) and classic case coloring. Against a Rossi, you’re often getting higher-grade finish and historical accuracy. You pay for that authenticity, but the core function—a reliable lever-action—is similar.
If the blend of classic American rifle craftsmanship and sensible shooting economics appeals to you, view the full details on our product page.
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