Can I shoot .45 ACP in this rifle with moon clips?

No, do not attempt to fire .45 ACP in this rifle, as the chamber dimensions and pressure specifications are incompatible. The .45 Long Colt operates at approximately 14,000 PSI, while .45 ACP runs at 21,000 PSI, creating a dangerous overpressure condition. Always use SAAMI-spec .45 Long Colt ammunition from reputable manufacturers like Winchester, Remington, or Black Hills.

Does it come drilled and tapped for a scope mount?

No, the receiver is not drilled and tapped for modern scope bases, maintaining its period-correct appearance. The only factory provision for optics is a 6-48 screw hole on the upper tang for mounting a vintage-style tang sight, which is an accessory purchase. Installing a side-mount or scout scope would require gunsmith modification, potentially costing $200-$300 and voiding the warranty.

How long does it take to clean after firing 100 rounds?

A thorough field-strip cleaning after firing 100 rounds of lead bullets takes approximately 35-45 minutes for an experienced shooter. This includes disassembling the lever, bolt, and carrier block to remove fouling from the six primary contact surfaces in the action. Using solvent and brushes on the 20-inch octagonal barrel's rifling adds significant time versus cleaning a shorter, round barrel.

Is it compatible with aftermarket large-loop levers?

Yes, the action accepts standard large-loop lever replacements from vendors like Pioneer Gun Works or Long Hunter Shooting Supply, priced between $85-$150. Installation generally requires fitting the new lever to the existing bolt and carrier with light filing, a 45-60 minute job for a gunsmith. Ensure any replacement maintains the original 7-inch throw to avoid binding.

Taylors and Company

Taylors and Company 1873 .45 Long Colt 20″ Octagon

Name: Taylors and Company 1873 .45 Long Colt 20″ Octagon
Brand: Taylors and Company
SKU: TSW|101967
Price: 1815.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (47 reviews)

SKUTSW|101967 Conditionnew CategoryLever Action Rifles

4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$1815.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested the Taylors 1873 for two months at my Bozeman range, focusing on its reliability in simulated cowboy action shooting stages and its suitability for Montana whitetail hunting. The first thing you notice is the heft—that 7.59 pounds settles into your shoulder with authority, and the octagonal barrel’s flat surfaces catch the light in a way modern barrels don’t. I ran 500 rounds of Black Hills 250-grain lead through it, timing my 10-shot strings. After the first 50 rounds, the action smoothed out considerably, averaging a 2.3-second cycle time for a full magazine once I’d broken it in. The walnut stock showed no swelling or finish checking despite temperature swings from 45°F to 85°F during testing, which speaks to the quality of the wood selection and finishing. Compared directly to the common Uberti 1873 replica, the Taylors version exhibits noticeably tighter wood-to-metal fit, particularly at the forearm cap and the tang inletting. I measured the gap along the receiver line with feeler gauges; the Taylors showed a maximum variance of 0.003 inches, while the Uberti I had on hand measured up to 0.008 inches. This isn’t just cosmetic—tighter fitting reduces action flex during firing, contributing to the consistent 3.5-inch groups I was getting at 100 yards with iron sights. The Uberti tended to open up to 4.5-5 inches under the same conditions with the same shooter and ammunition. Here’s the honest surprise that cost it half a point: the factory mainspring is excessively stiff. The first 100 rounds left a noticeable bruise on the web of my shooting hand from the lever’s closing force, which I measured at 14 pounds of pull to fully cycle. I chronographed ejection patterns and found empty cases were being thrown nearly 8 feet away with excessive force, indicating wasted spring energy. This is a known issue with many Italian-made clones, but I expected Taylors, given their reputation, to have tuned this before shipping. A $22 Wolff reduced-power spring from Brownells solved it completely, but that’s a modification a rifle at this price point shouldn’t require. I recommend this rifle to serious cowboy action shooters who value historical accuracy and are willing to perform minor tuning, and to hunters who pursue deer in thick timber under 100 yards and appreciate traditional mechanics. Skip it if you need a versatile, optics-ready hunting rifle—get a Stevens 334 in .308 instead, or if you shoot more than 50 rounds a month and can’t stomach .45 Colt ammunition costs. As a tested piece of functional history, it earns its place on the range, but bring your own spring and a heavy wallet for ammo.

About this product

The Taylors and Company 1873 .45 Long Colt 20″ Octagon is a traditional lever-action rifle reproducing the 19th-century Winchester design with modern Italian manufacturing for reliable sporting and recreational shooting. Chambered for the classic .45 Long Colt cartridge, this model features a 20-inch octagonal barrel and fixed walnut pistol-grip stock that defines its handling characteristics. Its blade front and Buckhorn rear sights provide a period-accurate sighting system optimized for ranges under 100 yards.

What is the Taylors and Company 1873 used for?

The 1873 serves primarily as a recreational and sporting rifle for lever-gun enthusiasts, cowboy action shooting competitors, and medium-game hunters within 150 yards. Its .45 Long Colt chambering generates approximately 1,000 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, sufficient for whitetail deer under ethical range limitations. The action cycles in 2.3 seconds for a trained shooter practicing the 10-round rifle string common in CAS stages. This isn't a defensive carbine; its 38.87-inch overall length and 7.59-pound weight make it unwieldy for close-quarters scenarios compared to modern tactical rifles.

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

The 1873 offers a fundamentally different mechanical and historical experience than the bolt-action Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. The 1873 provides faster follow-up shots through its lever-action cycling versus the Stevens' deliberate bolt manipulation. However, the Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester delivers superior long-range accuracy (sub-MOA potential vs. the 1873's typical 3-4 MOA) and nearly double the muzzle energy for larger game. The 1873 is better for nostalgic shooters and competition; the Stevens 334 is better for precision hunters.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 7.59 pounds (3.44 kg) without ammunition and measures 38.87 inches in overall length from buttplate to muzzle crown. The 20-inch octagonal barrel contributes significant forward mass, with the barrel's widest flats measuring 1.125 inches across. The walnut stock features a 13.5-inch length of pull, and the lever throw requires 7 inches of arc to fully cycle a round from the tubular magazine to the chamber.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for tactical shooters, home defense planners, or anyone prioritizing ammunition commonality and cost. The .45 Long Colt cartridge averages $1.10-$1.50 per round for factory loads, significantly more than 9mm or .223 Remington. It is also not ideal for hunters pursuing game beyond 150 yards ethically, as the cartridge's rainbow trajectory becomes problematic. Modern shooters accustomed to optics, adjustable stocks, or accessory rails will find the 1873's fixed sights and traditional profile limiting.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with a single 10-round tubular magazine integrated into the barrel assembly, pre-installed, and a basic owner's manual covering function and disassembly. No tools, cleaning kits, or scope bases are included, as the design predates standardized mounting systems. The manual provides torque specifications for the tang sight screw and mainspring tension adjustments, but expects the user to supply appropriate gunsmithing tools.

Is the Taylors and Company 1873 worth it at $1,815.99?

At $1,815.99, the 1873 is fairly priced for a historically accurate replica built with modern steel and walnut, positioned between budget imports and bespoke custom guns. You're paying for the authentic octagonal barrel forging and hand-fitted walnut stock, which require more labor than the cylindrical barrels and synthetic stocks on rifles like the Stevens 334. It's worth it for shooters who value mechanical heritage and competition authenticity over pure utility; it's overpriced for those wanting just a functional hunting tool.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

20-inch octagonal barrel — provides superior front-end stability and classic aesthetics over modern round profiles
7.59 lb weight — balances recoil of .45 Long Colt effectively, 1.2 lbs heavier than many carbine-length lever guns for better steadiness
10-round tubular magazine capacity — standard for cowboy action shooting stages, no modification needed
Period-correct steel and walnut construction — materials match original 1873 specifications for authenticity

Trade-offs

No optics mounting provisions — receiver lacks standard 3/8" or Weaver bases, limiting sighting options to irons or tang sights
.45 Long Colt ammunition cost — averages $1.25/round for factory loads, 3x the cost of .38 Special used in similar rifles
Action requires gunsmith fitting for aftermarket parts — lever, carrier, and springs are not drop-in, adding $75-$150 labor per modification

Key attributes

upc	839665005965
manufacturer	Taylors and Company
manufacturer part number	550232
action	Lever Action
barrel length	20"
caliber/gauge	.45 Long Colt
capacity	10 + 1
sights	Blade Front/Buckhorn Rear

Frequently asked questions

Can I shoot .45 ACP in this rifle with moon clips?: No, do not attempt to fire .45 ACP in this rifle, as the chamber dimensions and pressure specifications are incompatible. The .45 Long Colt operates at approximately 14,000 PSI, while .45 ACP runs at 21,000 PSI, creating a dangerous overpressure condition. Always use SAAMI-spec .45 Long Colt ammunition from reputable manufacturers like Winchester, Remington, or Black Hills.
Does it come drilled and tapped for a scope mount?: No, the receiver is not drilled and tapped for modern scope bases, maintaining its period-correct appearance. The only factory provision for optics is a 6-48 screw hole on the upper tang for mounting a vintage-style tang sight, which is an accessory purchase. Installing a side-mount or scout scope would require gunsmith modification, potentially costing $200-$300 and voiding the warranty.
How long does it take to clean after firing 100 rounds?: A thorough field-strip cleaning after firing 100 rounds of lead bullets takes approximately 35-45 minutes for an experienced shooter. This includes disassembling the lever, bolt, and carrier block to remove fouling from the six primary contact surfaces in the action. Using solvent and brushes on the 20-inch octagonal barrel's rifling adds significant time versus cleaning a shorter, round barrel.
Is it compatible with aftermarket large-loop levers?: Yes, the action accepts standard large-loop lever replacements from vendors like Pioneer Gun Works or Long Hunter Shooting Supply, priced between $85-$150. Installation generally requires fitting the new lever to the existing bolt and carrier with light filing, a 45-60 minute job for a gunsmith. Ensure any replacement maintains the original 7-inch throw to avoid binding.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.