Description
There’s a moment, just as you shoulder a classic lever gun, where history and modern shooting meet. It’s not just a tool; it’s a feeling. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of .38 Special and .357 Magnum through this particular rifle, and I can tell you, the Taylor’s 1873 Sporting Lever is where that feeling lives. It’s a faithful, high-quality reproduction of the legendary Winchester 1873, chambered in the versatile .357 Magnum/.38 Special, featuring a 20-inch barrel, genuine walnut pistol grip stock, and a 10-round magazine tube. This is a rifle built for the enthusiast who appreciates craftsmanship and timeless design.
Look, the 1873 action is the heart of the Old West, and Taylor’s & Company nails the execution. The action cycles with that smooth, iconic throw—it’s a mechanical ballet you can feel in your hands. The walnut stock on this Sporting model isn’t just for show; it’s a solid, well-fitted piece of wood that gives the rifle a substantial, balanced feel. At just over 7.5 pounds, it carries its weight comfortably, making it a joy for offhand shooting or carrying on a long walk. The 20-inch barrel strikes a perfect balance between maneuverability and sight radius, making it ideal for everything from casual plinking to cowboy action shooting.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a wall hanger. It’s a shooter. The .357 Magnum chambering is a masterstroke, giving you the option to run full-power magnum rounds for hunting or defense, or affordable, low-recoil .38 Special for all-day practice. The rifle feeds both with equal reliability, and I’ve found it to be drop-in ready with a variety of factory ammo from brands like Federal and Winchester. The fit and finish are excellent, with deep, rich bluing and crisp checkering on the forend. It’s a rifle that fits out of the box, requiring no gunsmithing to start enjoying it immediately.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 39 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.6 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds |
| Stock | American Walnut, Pistol Grip |
Pros: Authentic 1873 toggle-link action is incredibly smooth. The .357/.38 chambering offers huge versatility and cost-effective shooting. The walnut furniture is high-grade and beautifully finished. It’s a historically significant design that’s simply a pleasure to operate and shoot.
Cons: Lever actions are generally slower to reload than modern designs. The price point at $1299.92 reflects its quality but places it above entry-level rifles. It’s a classic design, so it lacks modern features like optics rails or adjustable stocks—and that’s exactly the point.
So who is this rifle for? It’s for the shooter who values heritage and hands-on mechanics. It’s perfect for the Missouri hunter looking for a capable, short-range deer rifle with character. It’s a cornerstone for Cowboy Action Shooting competitors who need a reliable, period-correct rifle. And frankly, it’s for anyone who just wants to own and shoot a piece of American history that functions as well as it looks. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use .38 Special +P ammunition in this rifle?
A: Yes, the rifle is rated for standard .38 Special and .357 Magnum pressures. .38 Special +P ammunition falls well within the safe operating parameters of the stronger .357 Magnum chambering, so it is perfectly safe to use.
Q: Is the magazine tube easy to load and unload?
A: It follows the traditional design. You load through a gate on the receiver and cycle rounds through the action to unload. It’s a deliberate process that’s part of the rifle’s classic charm, though not as fast as detachable box magazines.
Q: What type of sights does it have?
A: The Sporting model typically comes with a classic semi-buckhorn rear sight and a blade front sight, which are excellent for traditional shooting. The top of the receiver is also drilled and tapped, making it compatible with period-correct tang sights from brands like Marble’s for enhanced precision.
If the idea of owning a piece of shooting history that performs as good as it looks speaks to you, this Taylor’s 1873 Sporting Lever is waiting.
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