Description
You’re on a Missouri ridge at dawn, glassing a distant woodline. The air is still. When it comes to a rifle that bridges the gap between a historical showpiece and a practical, hard-working tool for the field, you need something with presence, reliability, and classic American utility. That’s where the Uberti 1873 Sporting Rifle Steel, .45 Colt, 24.25″ Octagon Barrel, A-Grade Walnut Stock makes its stand. It’s not just a replica; it’s a functional, modern-manufactured lever-action rifle chambered in the timeless .45 Colt cartridge, built for the shooter who values tradition without compromise.
ANSWER CAPSULE: The Uberti 1873 Sporting Rifle is a faithful, shootable reproduction of the classic Winchester lever-action. This specific model features a case-hardened steel frame, a 24.25-inch octagon barrel, and is chambered in .45 Colt. It comes with an A-Grade American walnut stock and forend, offering a blend of historical aesthetics and modern manufacturing quality for hunting, sport shooting, and collection.
Let’s talk about what this rifle delivers. The heart of it is that 24.25-inch octagon barrel. It’s not just for looks—that significant mass out front tames the modest recoil of the .45 Colt and provides a sublime, steady sight picture for offhand shooting. The barrel’s length also lets you wring out all the ballistic potential from the cartridge, whether you’re pushing handloads or factory ammo. The full-length magazine tube holds 10 rounds of .45 Colt, giving you solid capacity for a day at the range or a hunt. Weighing in at approximately 9 pounds, it’s a substantial firearm that settles into your shoulder with authoritative stability.
The A-Grade walnut is where this Sporting model earns its name. The wood has a rich, hand-finished oil sheen and decent figure that you simply don’t get on standard grades. It fits out of the box with a precise, solid feel against the case-hardened frame—no wobble, no gaps. That case coloring isn’t a film or paint; it’s a true, durable finish that develops a unique patina with use. The action is smooth from the factory, and the trigger breaks cleanly. Here’s the thing—this is a rifle you can take to the range, hunt whitetail with in Missouri’s hardwoods, or simply admire on the rack, and it performs authentically in every role.
Look, no tool is perfect for every job. The 1873’s toggle-link action, while historically accurate and plenty strong for standard-pressure .45 Colt, isn’t designed for modern high-pressure smokeless loads like some later designs. Its manual of arms is pure 19th century: you work the lever for every shot. That said, for the shooter who connects with the rhythm of a lever gun, there’s nothing quite like it. The rifle’s overall length of over 43 inches makes it less than ideal for tight blinds or vehicle use, but that’s the trade-off for its range-ready balance and classic profile.
So who is this for? It’s for the hunter who wants a definitive brush gun for deer, the cowboy action shooter needing a main-match rifle, and the collector who actually shoots their pieces. It’s for anyone who appreciates mechanical elegance and American history you can hold in your hands. At $1018.86, it represents a tangible piece of that legacy, built with modern precision. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 Colt |
| Barrel | 24.25″ Octagon |
| Overall Length | 43.5″ (approx.) |
| Weight | 9 lbs (approx.) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10+1 Rounds |
| Stock | A-Grade American Walnut |
| Frame Finish | Case-Hardened Steel |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this rifle handle modern .45 Colt +P ammunition?
A: No. The Uberti 1873 is designed for standard-pressure .45 Colt ammunition only. Always use ammunition loaded to SAAMI specifications for this firearm. Using +P or high-pressure loads can damage the rifle and is unsafe.
Q: Is it suitable for Cowboy Action Shooting competitions?
A: Absolutely. This model is a popular choice for main-match rifles in SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) events. Its 24.25-inch barrel, chambering, and overall configuration are competition-legal and provide the classic look and feel required for the sport.
Q: What kind of sights does it have?
A: It features traditional blade-and-notch iron sights. The front is a blade sight, and the rear is a adjustable ladder-style sight, authentic to the period and effective for practical shooting distances. The sight radius, thanks to that long barrel, is excellent for precise aiming. The rifle’s magazine capacity of 10 rounds gives you plenty of shots before needing to reload on the clock or in the field.
If the idea of a rifle with this much heritage and hands-on capability speaks to you, see the full details on our product page.
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