Taylors and Company 1873 .357 Mag 20″ Octagon Pistol Grip

About this product

The Taylors and Company 1873 .357 Mag 20″ Octagon Pistol Grip is a modern-tuned replica lever-action rifle combining authentic 19th-century aesthetics with refined mechanical reliability for recreational shooting, short-range hunting, and SASS competition. Built on the classic Model 1873 design, it represents the historical Winchester lever action that dominated the American West, now manufactured by Taylors and Company with enhanced tuning and quality control. This specific configuration—blued octagon barrel, case-hardened receiver, walnut pistol-grip stock—targets shooters who demand both traditional presentation and smooth, consistent function.

What is the Taylors and Company 1873 .357 Mag 20″ Octagon Pistol Grip used for?

Its primary uses are recreational target shooting, Cowboy Action Shooting competition, and short-range hunting of game like whitetail deer inside 125 yards. The .357 Magnum chambering allows it to fire cheaper .38 Special ammunition for practice, reducing per-round costs to about 45 cents versus 85 cents for full-power Magnum loads, making it an economical range firearm. Its 20-inch octagon barrel balances weight distribution well for offhand shooting and its traditional sights are adequate for the intended ranges.

How does the Taylors and Company 1873 compare to a Stevens 334 rifle?

The Taylors 1873 is categorically better for historical authenticity, smooth lever action cycling, and aesthetic appeal, while the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic is superior for practical accuracy, ruggedness in adverse conditions, and terminal ballistics at longer distances. The Stevens bolt-action delivers tighter groups—often sub-MOA with match ammo—and its synthetic stock won't warp or scratch like walnut, but it lacks the heritage feel and manual-of-arms that define the lever-action experience. The Taylors 1873 requires more shooter skill to run quickly and accurately under time pressure.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle weighs exactly 7.90 pounds unloaded, measures 39 inches in overall length, and has a 20-inch octagon barrel with a 1-in-12-inch twist rate. The walnut stock contributes approximately 2.3 pounds to the total weight, and the octagonal barrel profile—measuring .915 inches across flats at the muzzle—adds significant forward mass compared to a round profile, aiding in steady offhand aim but requiring more effort to swing onto target quickly. The lever throw arc spans 95 degrees from closed to fully open, and the iron sight radius is 18.5 inches from blade front to buckhorn rear notch.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not ideal for first-time firearm buyers seeking a simple, modern defensive tool, nor for precision shooters needing sub-MOA accuracy beyond 150 yards. The manual safety procedures for a lever action—keeping fingers clear of the trigger guard during the levering cycle—require specific training that differs from bolt-action or semi-automatic rifles. If your priority is mounting a modern optical scope with extended eye relief, the factory sight configuration and lack of a drilled-and-tapped receiver top present significant gunsmithing hurdles compared to a pre-tapped modern rifle platform.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle itself, one 10-round tubular magazine pre-installed in the mag tube, a single factory-installed chamber flag, and a basic owner's manual covering assembly, disassembly, and safety warnings. No cleaning kit, sling, or case is included—plan to spend an additional $85-$150 for a suitable padded soft case and basic bore-cleaning tools. The magazine tube requires disassembly via a threaded end cap; keep the included Allen wrench handy as you'll need it for the takedown screw near the receiver tang.

Is the Taylors and Company 1873 worth it at $1971.99?

At this price point, it is worth the investment for shooters dedicated to historical firearms, Cowboy Action Shooting, or those who simply appreciate mechanical craftsmanship and are willing to pay for the Taylor Tuned action refinements over a base-model Italian import. You are paying approximately a $400 premium for the hand-polished internals, lightened springs, and enhanced trigger break versus a standard Uberti 1873, which is a justifiable cost if you value out-of-the-box smoothness and reduced gunsmithing time. For comparison, a functional but less refined lever-action like the Henry Big Boy in .357 Magnum retails around $950, but lacks the octagon barrel, case-hardened finish, and tuned action that define this rifle's character.