Taylor’s 1873 Lever .45LC 20″ Octagon Rifle

Description

Picture this: you’re at the range, and the distinctive ka-chunk of a lever-action turns heads. It’s not just a sound; it’s a statement of heritage and practical mechanics. For the shooter who wants that iconic feel without a museum-piece price tag, the Taylor’s 1873 Lever .45LC 20″ Octagon, Walnut Straight Stock, CH Receiver Blued offers a compelling middle ground. It’s a working replica that bridges the gap between pure nostalgia and a functional firearm you can actually afford to shoot.

The Taylor’s 1873 Lever .45LC 20″ Octagon, Walnut Straight Stock, CH Receiver Blued is a faithful, budget-conscious reproduction of the classic Winchester 1873 lever-action rifle. Chambered in .45 Long Colt, it features a 20-inch octagonal barrel, a case-hardened receiver, and a classic walnut straight-grip stock, delivering authentic Old West aesthetics and function at a practical price point of $1112.95.

Let’s talk about where your money goes. The heart of this rifle’s appeal is its classic case-hardened (CH) receiver. That mottled, colorful finish isn’t just for show—it’s a historically accurate treatment that’s more durable than a simple polish. Paired with the deep bluing on the 20-inch octagonal barrel, it creates a visual package that feels genuinely period-correct. The octagon barrel itself adds significant weight out front, which isn’t a bug, it’s a feature. That weight soaks up recoil and makes the rifle a steady hold, especially with the mild .45 LC cartridge. Here’s the thing—you’re getting a look that often costs hundreds more in other reproduction lines.

The walnut straight-grip stock is another major value point. The straight wrist, as opposed to a pistol grip, is the classic 1873 profile. It’s simple, honest, and fits out of the box for most shooters. The wood is typically a decent-grade American walnut with a utilitarian finish; it’s not exhibition-grade, but that means you won’t feel bad about actually taking it out in the field. The rifle feeds from a traditional under-barrel tube magazine with a capacity of 10 rounds of .45 Long Colt, giving you plenty of shots for plinking or casual competition before a reload.

Mechanically, this Taylor’s 1873 uses a proven and simple toggle-link action. It’s smooth once broken in and is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories designed for the Uberti 1873, a very common replica platform. This is a huge plus for the budget-minded—you can upgrade springs, sights, or levers down the line without hunting for obscure, proprietary components. The rifle ships ready for your local FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.

Caliber	.45 Long Colt (.45 LC)
Barrel	20″ Octagon
Overall Length	Approx. 39″
Weight	Approx. 7.5 lbs
Capacity	10+1 Rounds
Stock	Walnut, Straight Grip
Receiver Finish	Case Hardened

Pros: You get undeniable classic aesthetics with the octagon barrel and case-hardened receiver at a very competitive price. The .45 LC is a low-recoil, enjoyable round to shoot. The action is simple and robust, with great aftermarket support via the Uberti 1873 compatibility. It’s a rifle that feels special without a luxury price tag.

Cons: The tradeoff for the price is that fit and finish won’t match a custom-shop replica. The wood may have simpler grain, and the action might benefit from a professional slicking-up for competition. .45 LC ammunition, while available, is more expensive than common pistol calibers like 9mm or .38 Special.

So who is this rifle for? It’s perfect for the history buff or casual Cowboy Action Shooting participant who wants an authentic platform without a massive initial investment. It’s for the recreational shooter who values the tactile experience of a lever-action and wants a beautiful piece of functional art on a budget. It’s also a fantastic choice for a Missouri hunter looking for a brush gun for medium game at reasonable ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this a true Winchester or a replica?

A: This is a faithful reproduction made under the Taylor’s & Company brand, not an original Winchester. It captures the original’s design and function using modern manufacturing, making it a reliable and affordable alternative to a collector-grade original.

Q: Can I use modern .45 Colt ammunition in it?

A: Yes, it is designed to safely fire standard-pressure modern .45 Long Colt ammunition available from major manufacturers. Always avoid +P or high-pressure loads not specifically rated for this replica firearm.

Q: Is it ready for Cowboy Action Shooting?

A: It is a suitable entry-level platform for CAS. Out of the box, it will work, but many competitors eventually perform action jobs or swap springs for faster cycling. Its compatibility with Uberti 1873 parts makes those upgrades straightforward when you’re ready.

If the blend of classic style, solid function, and a sensible price tag speaks to you, the Taylor’s 1873 is waiting. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See the full details and check availability to start the process.