Description
I was at the range last weekend, running a few boxes of .38 Special through a lever gun, and a guy on the next bench kept glancing over. Finally, he walked up and said, “That’s the one I’ve been looking for. It just looks right.” He was talking about the Uberti 1873 Rifle Half Octagonal Barrel, .357 Mag, 18″Barrel. It’s a faithful reproduction of the legendary Winchester 1873, chambered in the versatile .357 Magnum/.38 Special, with a distinctive half-octagonal, half-round 18-inch barrel that blends classic aesthetics with modern handling.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a safe queen. I’ve put a mix of .357 Magnum and softer .38 Special rounds through this rifle, and it’s a genuine pleasure. The action, straight out of the box, is smooth. It’s not the glass-slick race gun you’d get after a thousand rounds and a professional tune, but it’s solid. It cycles with a satisfying, mechanical confidence that just feels authentic. The half-octagon barrel gives it a unique profile—part working rifle, part showpiece—that draws the eye without being gaudy. At a weight of around 7.5 pounds, it balances beautifully, making off-hand shots and quick transitions feel natural, not clumsy.
Key Features & Handling
The heart of this rifle is its toggle-link action, a direct copy of the original 1873 design. It’s robust and has a distinct feel compared to the later Winchester 1892 designs. Loading through the side gate is a ritual in itself, and the 10-round tube magazine under that 18-inch barrel means you can enjoy a long session without constant reloading. The .357 Magnum chambering is its biggest modern advantage. You can run affordable, low-recoil .38 Special for plinking and small game, or load up full-power .357 for a serious punch—making it a viable option for everything from tin cans to white-tailed deer within reasonable ranges.
Fit and finish are where Uberti consistently impresses. The walnut stock has a decent, hand-filling oil finish, and the metal-to-wood fit is tight. The bluing is deep and even. I found the sights—a blade front and semi-buckhorn rear—to be perfectly serviceable for the rifle’s intended use. They’re classic, they’re simple, and they work. For those who want to mount a scope, it’s a straightforward process, but part of me thinks that defeats the purpose of a rifle like this. The rifle is drop-in ready for a set of sling swivels from brands like Uncle Mike’s or Grovtec if you want to carry it afield.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Barrel Length | 18 Inches |
| Barrel Profile | Half Octagon, Half Round |
| Overall Length | Approx. 37.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds |
| Action | Lever-Action, Toggle-Link |
| Sights | Blade Front, Semi-Buckhorn Rear |
Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For
What I like: The historical authenticity is top-notch. The .357/.38 dual-caliber capability is incredibly practical and economical. The half-octagon barrel is a standout feature that offers great looks without the full cost of a full-octagon model. It’s simply a fun, satisfying rifle to shoot that connects you to a tangible piece of firearms history.
What to consider: The toggle-link action, while strong, isn’t designed for the high-pressure cartridges of a modern 1892. It’s meant for pistol-caliber rounds like .357. The loading process is slower than a detachable magazine. And at a price of $1140.96, it’s an investment in a shooting experience, not just a tool.
So who is this for? It’s for the shooter who appreciates history and mechanical artistry. It’s for the Missouri hunter wanting a brush gun for deer with character. It’s for the Cowboy Action Shooter looking for a main-match rifle that stands out. It’s for anyone tired of polymer and rails, who wants the heft of walnut and steel and the clack-clack of a working lever action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this rifle handle +P or other hot .357 Magnum loads?
A: It’s built for standard .357 Magnum SAAMI-spec ammunition. While robust, consistently feeding it a diet of the hottest, heaviest loads on the market isn’t what it was designed for. Stick to standard pressures for longevity and shooter comfort.
Q: Is the .38 Special accuracy affected by the longer .357 Magnum chamber?
A: In my experience, accuracy with .38 Special is more than acceptable for plinking and short-range work. Some precision is lost compared to a dedicated .38 chamber, but we’re talking minute-of-soda-can at 50 yards, which is perfectly fine for this rifle’s role.
Q: Is it difficult to clean with the half-octagon barrel?
A: Not at all. The octagonal portion is only at the receiver end. The majority of the bore is a standard round profile, so cleaning rods and patches run through it just like any other rifle. The external corners just require a bit more care when wiping down.
If the idea of a classic, versatile lever-action with a unique look and modern practicality speaks to you, this Uberti 1873 is waiting. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See if it’s the piece that’s been missing from your collection.
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