Description
The Winchester 1873 Deluxe Sporter, .40-40 Win, 24″ Barrel, Walnut, Blued Finish, 13 Round is a modern reproduction of the legendary “Gun that Won the West.” It’s a lever-action rifle that blends historical authenticity with modern manufacturing for reliable shooting. At $1409.06, it offers a tangible piece of American history without the premium of a true antique, making it a solid value for a classic rifle.
Key Features
- Authentic Lever-Action: Smooth, classic side-ejecting action that’s pure nostalgia.
- Deluxe Walnut Stock: Features a higher-grade, hand-finished American walnut stock and forend for a premium look and feel.
- Blued Steel Finish: Traditional, durable finish that protects the metal and looks the part.
- 24″ Octagonal Barrel: Provides excellent sight radius and that iconic 1873 profile.
- 13-Round Capacity: Generous tube magazine capacity for its class.
- Modern Reliability: Built with current steel and manufacturing for dependable performance.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .40-40 Winchester |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches (Octagonal) |
| Overall Length | Approx. 43.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 8.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 13 Rounds |
| Finish | Blued Steel, Walnut Stock |
| Action | Lever-Action, Side Eject |
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a wall hanger. It’s a shooter. The rifle uses a modern, hardened steel alloy for the toggle-link action, which is more durable than the iron of the originals. This means you can safely shoot it with modern, commercially available .40-40 Winchester ammunition without concern. The 24-inch barrel gives the .40-40 round room to stretch its legs, improving velocity and making it a capable rifle for medium-range targets or hunting. Weighing in around 8.5 pounds, it has a solid, steady feel that helps manage recoil, which is already mild in this caliber.
Who This Rifle Is For
This Deluxe Sporter is for the shooter who values tradition but needs a practical tool. It’s perfect for Cowboy Action Shooting competitors who want a step up from base models, hunters pursuing deer in brush or timber where the .40-40 excels, or any firearms enthusiast who wants a functional, beautiful piece of history. If you appreciate the mechanics and romance of the Old West but need a rifle that’s ready to go, this fits the bill. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The historical authenticity is unmatched—it feels and operates exactly like the original. The deluxe walnut and blued finish offer significant visual and tactile upgrades over standard models. The .40-40 is a classic, effective cartridge that’s still in production. Finally, at this price point, you’re getting a lot of rifle compared to custom-built replicas or collectible originals, which can cost thousands more.
Cons: The .40-40, while available, isn’t as cheap or ubiquitous as .30-30 Winchester. The rifle’s overall length of about 43.5 inches makes it less handy in tight quarters than a carbine. Also, the toggle-link action, while strong, isn’t designed for high-pressure modern cartridges like some newer lever actions. That said, for its intended use, it’s more than sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this rifle safe with modern .40-40 ammunition?
A: Yes. This modern reproduction is built with stronger steel than the 19th-century originals and is specifically engineered to safely fire current-production SAAMI-spec .40-40 Winchester ammunition. Always use ammunition from reputable manufacturers.
Q: Can I use it for Cowboy Action Shooting?
A: Absolutely. The Winchester 1873 is a mainstay in SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) events. This Deluxe Sporter model, with its 24″ barrel and side-eject action, is a popular choice. It’s drop-in ready for competition, though you’ll want to verify specific class rules regarding rifle features.
Q: How does it compare to a Henry or Marlin lever gun?
A: It’s a different experience. The Henry and modern Marlins use stronger actions (like the Browning BLR or Marlin’s solid-top design) suitable for higher-pressure rounds. The 1873 is a faithful historical replica—its charm is in its original design. Think of it as buying a classic car versus a modern retro-styled car; both are fun, but one is the real blueprint.
Look, if you’ve always wanted an 1873 but balked at collector prices or worried about shooting a true antique, this Deluxe Sporter is your best practical path. It delivers the iconic look, feel, and function at a price that lets you actually use it. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See the full details and check availability.
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