Winchester 1873 Sporter .45 Long Colt 24 inch Octagon

Description

The Winchester 1873 Sporter .45 Long Colt 24 inch Octagon is a lever-action rifle built for precision and competition. With its color case hardened receiver, satin-oiled walnut pistol-grip stock, and 24-inch octagon barrel, this rifle delivers period-correct accuracy for Cowboy Action and target shooting. The receiver top tang is drilled and tapped for an optional tang-mounted rear sight, allowing you to refine your sight picture. Chambered in .45 Long Colt, this Sporter model handles consistent loads with repeatable performance, making it a reliable choice for shooters who demand tight groups and smooth cycling.

Manufacturer	Winchester Repeating Arms
Model	1873 Sporter
Material	Steel receiver with color case hardening; walnut stock
Compatibility	.45 Long Colt ammunition
Finish	Blued barrel and magazine tube; color case hardened receiver
Weight	8.2 lbs per manufacturer specs
Condition	New

Key Features

• 24-inch Octagon Barrel — Why it matters: The longer barrel increases sight radius for finer aim adjustments and reduces muzzle flip, critical for hitting tight steel plates in Cowboy Action stages.
• Color Case Hardened Receiver — Why it matters: This heat-treated finish resists wear from rapid lever cycling and adds historical authenticity, matching the look of 1870s originals used in matches.
• Drilled and Tapped Top Tang — Why it matters: You can install a tang-mounted rear sight (like the Marbles #2) to extend sight radius by 4 inches, improving precision for 50-yard targets without modifying the barrel.
• Satin-Oiled Walnut Pistol-Grip Stock — Why it matters: The satin finish provides a non-slip grip in sweaty hands, while the pistol grip aids trigger control during rapid fire strings.
• Bead Front and Semi-Buckhorn Rear Sights — Why it matters: This classic sight pair offers a wide field of view for quick target acquisition, with the semi-buckhorn rear allowing elevation adjustments for varying distances.

Who It’s For

This rifle is built for Cowboy Action shooters who need reliable cycling with lead bullet loads, and for precision enthusiasts who want a classic lever gun for paper punching at 50-100 yards. It also suits collectors seeking a shootable reproduction with period-correct details like the color case hardening and pistol grip stock.

Pros and Cons

• Pro: The 24-inch barrel gives you 1.5 MOA accuracy at 50 yards with quality .45 Colt ammo, consistent with factory test data.
• Con: The fixed semi-buckhorn rear sight lacks windage adjustments; you may need a tang sight for fine tuning in competition.
• Pro: The action cycles smoothly with standard .45 Colt loads, including 250-grain lead rounds, reducing malfunctions in stage runs.

Comparison

Feature	Winchester 1873 Sporter .45 LC	Uberti 1873 Sporting Rifle .45 LC	Henry Big Boy Steel .45 LC
Barrel Length	24 inches octagon	24 inches octagon	20 inches round
Action	Lever action, toggle-link	Lever action, toggle-link	Lever action, side gate
Stock	Walnut pistol grip	Walnut straight grip	Walnut pistol grip
Receiver Finish	Color case hardened	Color case hardened	Blued steel
Price	$1,725.86	$1,399.00	$1,049.00
Best For	Competition shooters wanting historical accuracy and tang sight capability	Budget-minded competitors needing a functional replica	Hunters and plinkers who prefer a shorter, lighter rifle

The Winchester 1873 Sporter edges out the Uberti with its drilled and tapped tang for sight upgrades, while the Henry lacks the octagon barrel and color case hardening that competition shooters prefer for balance and authenticity.

FAQ

What caliber is this Winchester 1873 Sporter chambered in?

It is chambered in .45 Long Colt, a classic cowboy cartridge known for manageable recoil and accuracy at competition distances.

Can I mount a tang sight on this rifle?

Yes, the receiver top tang is drilled and tapped for an optional tang-mounted rear sight, such as the Marbles #2 or Lyman 66, which improves sight radius for precision shooting.

Is this rifle suitable for Cowboy Action competition?

Absolutely. The 24-inch octagon barrel, color case hardened receiver, and smooth lever action meet SASS requirements for competition, and the pistol grip stock aids rapid cycling.

What is the weight of this rifle?

It weighs 8.2 pounds per manufacturer specs, which helps stabilize aim during off-hand shooting in matches.

Does it come with any sights installed?

Yes, it includes a bead front sight and a semi-buckhorn rear sight, both adjustable for elevation to zero at typical competition distances.

Call to Action

Order the Winchester 1873 Sporter .45 Long Colt 24 inch Octagon today and get it shipped to your door in 1-2 business days. With secure checkout, 30-day returns, and free delivery to all 50 states, this lever gun is ready for your next match or range session.

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

Explore more lever action rifles in our Lever Action Rifles collection, or check out Competition Gear for accessories. Also see our Cowboy Action category for stage-ready firearms.

Last updated: April 2026