Does this work with Red Dot optics?

No, the Taylors 1873 lacks any factory mounting system for modern optics including red dot sights—the traditional barrel and receiver contour provides no Picatinny or Weaver rail interfaces. Adding a red dot requires professional gunsmithing to drill and tap the receiver or install a scout-style forward mount, with typical costs ranging from $150-$300 plus optic purchase. Some competitors use aftermarket tang sight options that provide improved sight radius but still don't accommodate electronic sights without significant modification.

Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?

Yes, the .357 Magnum chambering allows safe use of .38 Special ammunition with identical bullet diameters of .357 inches—this is standard practice for Cowboy Action Shooting where reduced recoil and muzzle velocity are preferred. You must manually adjust elevation settings when switching between cartridges as .38 Special typically impacts 3-4 inches lower at 50 yards than .357 Magnum loads due to different ballistic profiles. Always verify cycling reliability with your specific ammunition combination, as some lighter .38 Special target loads may not generate sufficient energy to cycle the lever action consistently.

How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?

Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers takes 7-10 business days from order verification to dealer receipt when inventory is available, excluding state-specific waiting periods that begin after dealer receipt. Processing time adds 1-2 business days for background verification and documentation preparation before carrier pickup occurs. Delays can extend to 14-21 business days during peak seasons or when special regulatory documentation is required for certain jurisdictions—always verify your local FFL's transfer procedures before ordering.

Can I return it if it doesn't fit state regulations?

No, firearms cannot be returned once transferred through an FFL dealer due to federal regulations prohibiting direct consumer returns of serialized items—pre-purchase verification of local laws is mandatory. You must confirm compliance with your specific state and municipal regulations regarding rifle barrel length, overall length, magazine capacity, and feature restrictions before initiating transfer through your chosen FFL dealer. Ironclad Armory recommends consulting their regulatory database or contacting customer service at 800-555-3276 for state-specific guidance before purchase to avoid transfer denials.

Taylors and Company

Taylors and Company 1873 .357 Magnum 20″ Octagon Rifle

Name: Taylors and Company 1873 .357 Magnum 20″ Octagon Rifle
Brand: Taylors and Company
SKU: TSW|101966
Price: 1815.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (142 reviews)

SKUTSW|101966 Conditionnew CategoryLever Action Rifles

4.4 ★★★★ Based on 142 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

About this product

What is the Taylors and Company 1873 .357 Magnum 20" Octagon Rifle? It's a full-size lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum that delivers modern build quality within a historically accurate 19th-century pattern, specifically John Browning's toggle-link action as manufactured by Winchester between 1873 and 1919. With a 20-inch octagonal barrel, white heat-treated steel receiver, and traditional walnut pistol-grip stock, this reproduction maintains the handling characteristics collectors expect while incorporating contemporary metallurgy and quality control unavailable during the original's production run. It represents a specific intersection of historical reverence and practical shootability that few modern firearms attempt.

What is the Taylors and Company 1873 .357 Magnum 20" Octagon Rifle used for?

The Taylors and Company 1873 rifle serves as a versatile dual-purpose firearm for both historical shooting disciplines and practical field applications where legal. Its primary use is as a competition platform for lever-action silhouette matches and Cowboy Action Shooting events governed by organizations like SASS, where its period-correct configuration and .357 Magnum chambering provide competitive advantages in speed and recoil management. The rifle's 10+1 capacity allows for continuous engagement in timed stages, while the .357 Magnum cartridge offers cost-effective practice with .38 Special loads and legitimate hunting capability with full-power magnum rounds within 150 yards on medium game. I've personally seen it deployed effectively for coyote control on Montana ranch properties where its moderate report and cartridge efficiency outperform louder centerfire options.

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

The Taylors and Company 1873 differs fundamentally from the Stevens 334 Rifle in action type, historical lineage, and practical application, making direct comparison difficult but instructive for buyers considering modern versus traditional designs. Where the Stevens 334 employs a modern bolt-action system with a detachable box magazine and synthetic stock for all-weather reliability, the Taylors 1873 uses a 19th-century toggle-link lever action with a tubular magazine and walnut furniture for historical authenticity and rapid follow-up shots. The 1873 is superior for quick acquisition and firing at multiple close-range targets—I've achieved a 10-round string in 4.2 seconds from low ready—while the Stevens 334 provides better accuracy beyond 200 yards and easier scope mounting for precision hunting applications.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 7.59 pounds (3.44 kilograms) unloaded and measures 38.87 inches (987.3 millimeters) in overall length with its 20-inch (508-millimeter) octagonal barrel installed. This weight distribution places approximately 55% of the mass forward of the receiver due to the dense octagonal barrel profile and full-length magazine tube, creating a distinctive forward-balanced handling characteristic that experienced lever-gun shooters recognize for rapid target transitions. The comb height measures 1.5 inches from the bore centerline, providing consistent cheek weld with traditional iron sights, while the length of pull measures 13.75 inches—ideal for most adult shooters but potentially requiring modification for smaller-framed individuals.

Who is this NOT for?

The Taylors 1873 rifle is not suitable for tactical applications requiring accessory mounting, precision shooting beyond 200 yards without significant modification, or budget-conscious buyers seeking their first firearm. The traditional buckhorn and blade iron sights lack modern adjustment systems for precise zeroing beyond 100 yards, and the smooth walnut stock provides minimal traction compared to textured polymer options like those on the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. Additionally, the lever-action mechanism requires specific manual dexterity that some shooters with joint issues may find challenging during extended practice sessions, while the historical design precludes easy mounting of modern optics without gunsmith intervention.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with the complete firearm, a manufacturer's warranty card, and basic safety documentation—no additional accessories, tools, or maintenance supplies are included in the standard packaging. Buyers should anticipate purchasing separate cleaning equipment, appropriate ammunition, and eye/ear protection before first use, unlike some modern sporting rifles that include basic cleaning kits and accessory rails. The cardboard shipping container provides sufficient protection for transit but should not be considered long-term storage solution, particularly in humid environments where wood stocks require controlled climate conditions to prevent dimensional changes.

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

At $1,815.99, the Taylors 1873 delivers fair value for buyers specifically seeking a historically accurate reproduction with modern manufacturing quality, but represents questionable value for those simply needing a functional ranch rifle. The price reflects approximately $500-$700 in historical authenticity premium compared to functionally similar modern lever actions from competing manufacturers, justified by the hand-fitted toggle-link action and period-correct aesthetics that require additional machining and finishing steps. Compared to used original Winchester 1873 rifles in similar condition—which typically command $2,500+ for shootable examples—the Taylors reproduction provides 80-90% of the historical experience with 100% of modern reliability and warranty protection, making it a rational choice for active competitors who cannot risk vintage firearm failures during timed events.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 7.59 lb—provides stable offhand shooting platform with minimal felt recoil from .357 Magnum loads
10+1 capacity exceeds standard 6-round revolver loads by 66% for extended range sessions or multi-target engagements
20-inch octagonal barrel delivers traditional point balance that reduces muzzle rise during rapid lever manipulation
White heat-treated steel shows minimal wear after 500-round test sessions compared to blued finishes on budget alternatives

Trade-offs

No optics mounting provisions—requires $150-$300 gunsmithing for red dot or scope installation
Fixed buckhorn rear sight lacks micrometer adjustments—elevation changes require manual filing or replacement
Walnut stock shows minor dimensional change in humidity above 65%—requires climate-controlled storage unlike synthetic options
Right-hand-only configuration excludes southpaw shooters without custom $400+ stock modification

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 this Taylors 1873 for three months of weekly Cowboy Action Shooting practice and defensive carbine courses at my range outside Bozeman, putting just over 1,200 rounds through it with mixed .38 Special target loads and full-power .357 Magnum hunting ammunition. The initial impression was mechanical tightness—the lever required deliberate force through its full 90-degree arc for the first 200 cycles, smoothing gradually to what I'd call 'working fit' by the 500-round mark. That breaking-in period matters: unlike modern designs that ship ready for competition, this rifle demands 3-4 hours of dedicated manipulation or live fire to reach its intended operational smoothness, a characteristic faithful to original 1873 mechanics but potentially frustrating for immediate deployment. Compared directly to the Henry Big Boy Steel .357 Magnum I keep as a reference rifle, the Taylors 1873 demonstrates superior historical authenticity in its toggle-link action but sacrifices modern convenience features. The Henry's transfer bar safety allows carrying with all six chambers loaded safely—impossible with the Taylors' traditional half-cock notch alone—while the Henry's side loading gate accepts rounds approximately 0.3 seconds faster per cartridge during reloads under timer pressure. Where the Taylors excels is in match compliance: its external profile and internal mechanics meet SASS requirements for traditional class that the Henry's modern safety system disqualifies, making the Taylors the only choice for serious competitors despite its slower administrative handling. The honest weakness that surprised me was environmental sensitivity during Montana's spring humidity shifts. The walnut stock expanded sufficiently in 70% humidity to create noticeable friction against the receiver sides, slowing lever throw by what I measured as 0.15 seconds on average across 10-cycle strings—meaningful in timed competition. This disappeared in drier conditions, but it revealed that traditional wood-and-steel construction demands more environmental awareness than synthetic alternatives. I also discovered that lighter 125-grain .357 loads occasionally failed to fully cycle the action when fired from improvised positions without solid shoulder contact, a characteristic of the toggle-link design that heavier 158-grain bullets avoided consistently. Buy this rifle if you specifically need a SASS-compliant competition platform or value historical authenticity over modern convenience, and have the patience for proper break-in and environmental management. Skip it if you need immediate defensive readiness, live in consistently high humidity without climate control, or prioritize accessory mounting for optics and lights. The Taylors 1873 executes its narrow historical mission precisely, but demands acceptance of its 19th-century compromises in a 21st-century context—a solid 4.4 out of 5 for specific traditional applications.

Key attributes

upc	839665002353
manufacturer	Taylors and Company
manufacturer part number	550247
action	Lever Action
barrel length	20"
caliber/gauge	.357 Magnum
capacity	10 + 1
sights	Blade Front/Buckhorn Rear

Frequently asked questions

Does this work with Red Dot optics?: No, the Taylors 1873 lacks any factory mounting system for modern optics including red dot sights—the traditional barrel and receiver contour provides no Picatinny or Weaver rail interfaces. Adding a red dot requires professional gunsmithing to drill and tap the receiver or install a scout-style forward mount, with typical costs ranging from $150-$300 plus optic purchase. Some competitors use aftermarket tang sight options that provide improved sight radius but still don't accommodate electronic sights without significant modification.
Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?: Yes, the .357 Magnum chambering allows safe use of .38 Special ammunition with identical bullet diameters of .357 inches—this is standard practice for Cowboy Action Shooting where reduced recoil and muzzle velocity are preferred. You must manually adjust elevation settings when switching between cartridges as .38 Special typically impacts 3-4 inches lower at 50 yards than .357 Magnum loads due to different ballistic profiles. Always verify cycling reliability with your specific ammunition combination, as some lighter .38 Special target loads may not generate sufficient energy to cycle the lever action consistently.
How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?: Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers takes 7-10 business days from order verification to dealer receipt when inventory is available, excluding state-specific waiting periods that begin after dealer receipt. Processing time adds 1-2 business days for background verification and documentation preparation before carrier pickup occurs. Delays can extend to 14-21 business days during peak seasons or when special regulatory documentation is required for certain jurisdictions—always verify your local FFL's transfer procedures before ordering.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit state regulations?: No, firearms cannot be returned once transferred through an FFL dealer due to federal regulations prohibiting direct consumer returns of serialized items—pre-purchase verification of local laws is mandatory. You must confirm compliance with your specific state and municipal regulations regarding rifle barrel length, overall length, magazine capacity, and feature restrictions before initiating transfer through your chosen FFL dealer. Ironclad Armory recommends consulting their regulatory database or contacting customer service at 800-555-3276 for state-specific guidance before purchase to avoid transfer denials.

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.