Taylors and Company TF 1873 Comanchero .45 Long Colt 20 in
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.8 lb - 1.2 lb lighter than Uberti 1873 Competition models
- 20-inch octagon barrel provides superior heat dissipation during rapid fire
- Color case-hardened receiver shows authentic mottling pattern unavailable on stamped parts
- 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters without modification
Trade-offs
- No optics mounting solution - requires gunsmith drilling for scopes (+$200-300)
- Walnut stock lacks checkering - slippery when wet compared to <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-30/">Stevens 555 Sporting</a>
- Limited to 10-round capacity vs modern lever actions holding 12-15 rounds
- Straight-grip stock increases felt recoil by approximately 15% over pistol-grip designs
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taylors and Company TF 1873 Comanchero is a .45 Long Colt lever-action rifle that delivers period-correct historical styling with modern manufacturing precision. Chambered for the timeless .45 LC cartridge, this 20-inch octagon-barreled rifle maintains the classic handling characteristics of the original 1873 Winchester pattern while offering improved consistency through CNC machining. With a color case-hardened receiver and straight walnut stock, it bridges 19th-century aesthetics with 21st-century quality control.
What is the Taylors and Company TF 1873 Comanchero used for?
This rifle excels in cowboy action shooting competitions and historical reenactments where authenticity matters. The 20-inch barrel provides excellent balance for rapid lever cycling while maintaining manageable overall length for transport. At 7.8 pounds, it handles smoothly for extended range sessions without compromising the period-correct aesthetics demanded by serious enthusiasts.
How does the Taylors and Company TF 1873 Comanchero compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Comanchero prioritizes historical authenticity where the Stevens 334 focuses on modern hunting utility. While the Stevens 334 delivers sub-2 MOA accuracy with .308 Winchester at 100 yards, the Comanchero's .45 Long Colt produces 3-4 inch groups at the same distance but with superior period-correct aesthetics. For cowboy action competitions, the Comanchero's authentic handling makes it the clear winner, while the Stevens 334 better serves hunters needing precision and power.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.8 pounds and measures 38.87 inches in overall length with a 20-inch octagonal barrel. The straight walnut stock maintains a 13.5-inch length of pull that accommodates most adult shooters comfortably. The lever throw requires approximately 4 inches of clearance for full cycling, making it suitable for shooting from cover or horseback.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for tactical shooters or those requiring modern optics mounting solutions. The buckhorn rear sight limits precision beyond 100 yards compared to modern apertures. The .45 Long Colt's trajectory becomes notably arc-like beyond 150 yards, making it impractical for long-range shooting where flatter-shooting cartridges like those in the Stevens 334 excel.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one 10-round tubular magazine pre-installed, and basic manufacturer documentation. The package does not include cleaning tools or additional accessories, which is typical for firearms in this category. Expect approximately 3.2 pounds of packaging materials including foam and cardboard for secure transit.
Is the Taylors and Company TF 1873 Comanchero worth it at $2060.99?
At this price point, you're paying for authentic materials and finishes rather than pure functionality. The color case-hardening process adds approximately $300-400 to manufacturing costs compared to standard blued finishes. For historical purists and competition shooters who value correctness, the investment justifies itself through authentic handling characteristics that cheaper reproductions can't match.
Key attributes
| upc | 839665004838 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550172COM |
| action | Lever Action |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| sights | Bead Front, Buckhorn Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, it handles standard pressure .45 Long Colt loads up to 14,000 PSI safely. Avoid +P or high-pressure cowboy action loads exceeding manufacturer specifications. Always verify ammunition meets SAAMI specifications before firing.
- Does it fit standard lever-action scabbards?
- The 20-inch octagon barrel requires scabbards designed for octagonal profiles. Standard round-barrel scabbards from companies like Hunter Company may not accommodate the flat surfaces properly. Measure your existing scabbard's internal dimensions before purchase.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Most orders ship within 3 business days with 5-7 day transit time to continental US FFL holders. International shipments require additional 10-15 days for export compliance verification. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day mechanical warranty covering manufacturer defects. Cosmetic issues or normal wear aren't covered. Returns require authorization within 7 days of receipt and must be shipped through approved carriers only.
- Does this work with Tang sights?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for Marble Arms Tang sights (part #MAR-108933). Installation requires minor fitting by a qualified gunsmith, typically adding $75-125 to the total cost. The existing buckhorn sight remains usable if you prefer traditional setups.