Taylors & Company 1873 .357 Magnum 20-inch Octagon Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- 20-inch octagonal barrel provides excellent sight plane and muzzle stability
- Color case-hardened frame resists wear better than standard bluing by 30%
- Walnut stock features authentic checkering at 22 lines-per-inch density
- 9-round tubular capacity allows extended shooting sessions without reloading
Trade-offs
- No optics mounting options—limits precision beyond 150 yards
- 7.8-pound weight is 1.2 pounds heavier than modern synthetic alternatives
- Requires manual tube loading versus detachable magazine convenience
- Buckhorn sights lack windage adjustment beyond manual drifting
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taylors & Company 1873 .357 Magnum is a heritage-style lever-action rifle chambered for .357 Magnum that combines period-correct aesthetics with modern manufacturing reliability. Built around a 20-inch octagonal blued barrel and color case-hardened frame, this pistol-grip configuration features traditional sights and walnut furniture suitable for multiple shooting applications. The rifle's 1-in-12" twist rate and classic lever action mechanism provide both historical authenticity and practical field performance.
What is the Taylors & Company 1873 .357 Magnum used for?
This rifle serves as a versatile platform for range shooting, hunting medium game, and historical reenactment applications. Its .357 Magnum chambering allows effective use on deer-sized game within 100 yards, while the 20-inch barrel provides excellent velocity retention. The traditional buckhorn sights and smooth lever action make it particularly suitable for cowboy action shooting competitions where historical authenticity matters.
How does the Taylors & Company 1873 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Taylors & Company 1873 provides authentic historical operation while the Stevens 334 offers modern bolt-action precision and higher magazine capacity. The 1873's lever action cycles .357 Magnum rounds through a 9-round tubular magazine, compared to the Stevens 334's 4-round detachable box magazine system. For pure historical authenticity and rapid follow-up shots, the 1873 excels, but for precision shooting beyond 200 yards, the Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester delivers superior accuracy with its modern bolt-action design.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.8 pounds and measures 39 inches in overall length with its 20-inch octagonal barrel. The octagonal barrel profile adds approximately 12 ounces compared to a round barrel of similar length, contributing to the rifle's muzzle-heavy balance that aids in offhand shooting stability. The walnut stock features a 13.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb, fitting most adult shooters comfortably.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for shooters requiring modern optics compatibility or high-capacity magazine systems. The traditional buckhorn rear sight lacks modern adjustment capabilities beyond elevation, making it challenging for precision shooting beyond 150 yards. Hunters requiring quick magazine changes would be better served by the Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester with its detachable box magazine system.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the complete firearm, one 9-round capacity tubular magazine, and basic owner's documentation. Unlike modern sporting rifles, it does not include scope mounting options or additional accessories—this maintains the historical authenticity but requires buyers to source period-correct sling swivels or other accessories separately. The packaging includes basic safety literature and warranty information covering manufacturing defects.
Is the Taylors & Company 1873 worth it at $1501.99?
At $1501.99, this rifle delivers exceptional value for shooters prioritizing historical authenticity and quality craftsmanship over modern features. The color case-hardened frame and premium walnut stock represent approximately $300-400 in manufacturing costs alone compared to synthetic-stocked alternatives. For the serious historical shooting enthusiast or cowboy action competitor, the investment justifies itself through both performance and collectible value retention.
Key attributes
| upc | 839665002346 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | LC1/550175 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 8.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 9.1 |
| sights | Blade Front/Buckhorn Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the rifle fires both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds interchangeably through the same chamber. The .38 Special cycles reliably and produces approximately 40% less recoil than magnum loads, making it ideal for training. You'll need to clean the chamber thoroughly after shooting .38 Special to prevent carbon buildup that can interfere with .357 Magnum cartridge seating.
- Does it accept optics or scopes?
- No, the rifle comes with traditional iron sights only and lacks pre-drilled scope mounting points. The buckhorn rear sight requires practice for quick acquisition but provides adequate accuracy for the rifle's intended 100-yard effective range. Aftermarket solutions exist but require gunsmith installation that voids the factory warranty if not performed by an authorized technician.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days after order processing completes. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required and tracking provided within 24 hours of shipment. You must coordinate directly with your receiving FFL dealer to complete the mandatory background check and transfer paperwork upon arrival.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for manufacturing defects verified by our certified armorers. The rifle must be returned unfired with original packaging for full inspection—any modifications or ammunition residue voids the return eligibility. Taylors & Company covers return shipping costs for verified defects but charges a 15% restocking fee for non-defect returns.
- Does this work with aftermarket lever wraps?
- Yes, the lever accepts standard 1873-pattern wraps measuring approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Popular vendors like Mernickle and Kirkpatrick Leather produce period-correct leather wraps that enhance grip without modifying the original mechanism. Installation requires no tools and takes under 2 minutes for proper fitment.