Taylors and Company 1873 Carbine .357 Mag 19″ 10+1 Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Chambered for dual-caliber use (.357 Mag & .38 Special) — allows low-cost practice with .38 Spc.
- 19-inch barrel provides a handy 37.88-inch OAL — 8+ inches shorter than many full-length shotguns.
- Color case-hardened receiver and genuine walnut stock — period-accurate aesthetics uncommon in modern reproductions.
- Unloaded weight of 7.48 lbs balances heft for stability with manageable carry.
Trade-offs
- Receiver not drilled/tapped for optics — requires significant gunsmithing for scope mounting.
- Right-hand-only ejection — brass ejects directly across the face of left-handed shooters.
- Authentic ladder rear sight offers limited windage and elevation adjustment compared to modern peep sights.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taylors and Company 1873 Carbine .357 Mag 19″ 10+1 Walnut is a meticulously reproduced Italian-made lever-action rifle chambered for modern pistol cartridges on the historical 1873 Winchester platform. This particular configuration features a 19-inch round barrrel and color case-hardened receiver, making it a period-accurate firearm capable of handling both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. At an unloaded weight of 7.48 lbs and an overall length of 37.88 inches, it offers a balance of classic aesthetics and functional utility for a specific type of shooter.
What is the Taylors and Company 1873 Carbine used for?
This carbine is primarily suited for casual target shooting, cowboy action shooting sports, and short-range hunting of small to medium game. Its .357 Magnum chambering provides significantly more energy than pistol counterparts when fired from a rifle-length barrel, with typical muzzle velocities increasing by roughly 400-500 feet per second over a revolver. The 10+1 tubular magazine capacity and classic lever-action mechanism prioritize nostalgia and manual operation over rapid-fire potential, making it a tool for deliberate, traditional marksmanship.
How does the Taylors and Company 1873 compare to a modern bolt-action like the Stevens 334?
The Taylors 1873 provides a completely different shooting experience and application profile compared to a utilitarian bolt-action like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. The Stevens 334 is objectively better for precision work at extended ranges, offering superior accuracy potential, higher-powered chamberings, and often easier optics mounting. The Taylors 1873 is better for shooters seeking a nostalgic, hands-on experience, caliber commonality with a revolver, and the mechanical satisfaction of a smooth lever action at distances under 150 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.48 pounds (approximately 3.39 kg) unloaded and measures 37.88 inches (962 mm) from the buttplate to the muzzle. Its 19-inch (483 mm) round barrel provides a handling profile much quicker to shoulder than the 30-inch barrels found on some dedicated sporting guns, like the Stevens 555 Sporting 12 Gauge, which clocks in at over 46 inches overall. This 37.88-inch length is a key reason this model is classified as a title-I rifle, avoiding the legal complexities of a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) under the NFA.
Who is this NOT for?
This carbine is not for the shooter prioritizing tactical efficiency, long-range precision, or high magazine capacity. The lever-action cycle time is inherently slower than a modern semi-automatic, and the ladder rear sight provides only basic elevation adjustment, limiting practical accuracy beyond 150 yards. It is also not ideal for left-handed shooters, as the ejection port throws spent brass directly across the shooter's sightline from the right side of the action.
What's in the box?
Expect the carbine and standard documentation, but no additional accessories from the factory. You will receive the rifle and an owner's manual, perhaps with a basic cable lock depending on the importer's current policy. Crucially, there are no aftermarket magazines to purchase; reloading is done directly into the fixed tubular magazine, a process that takes about 45 seconds per fill for a practiced individual. You will need to purchase ammunition and potentially a cleaning kit separately.
Is the Taylors and Company 1873 Carbine worth it at $1582.99?
At $1,582.99, its value is entirely contingent on your appreciation for historical accuracy and manual firearm operation. You are paying for hand-fitted components like the color case-hardened receiver and genuine walnut stock, as well as the Italian craftsmanship that reproduces the 1873 action. For the same budget, you could purchase a more capable, modern bolt-action and a substantial supply of ammunition. This purchase is justified for the shooter who values the experience and aesthetics of a classic lever-gun, not solely its ballistic performance.
Key attributes
| upc | 839665001998 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550282 |
| action | Lever Action |
| barrel length | 19" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| sights | Blade Front/Ladder Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, it is fully compatible with and designed to cycle both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. This dual-caliber capability is a major functional advantage, as you can practice with lower-recoil and lower-cost .38 Special loads. The rifle will feed and fire either cartridge from its 10+1 tubular magazine without modification.
- Can I mount an optic or scope on this rifle?
- The receiver is not drilled and tapped for a scope mount, as this would compromise its period-authentic appearance. Mounting an optic would require custom gunsmithing, likely involving a side-mount or scout-style rail attached to the barrel. For an out-of-the-box optics-ready experience, a modern rifle like the Stevens 334 is a better starting point.
- Does this work with Henry Big Boy .357 Magnum magazines?
- No, it does not. The Taylors 1873 uses a fixed, internal tubular magazine loaded through a gate on the right side of the receiver. Henry Big Boy lever-action rifles often feature a removable tubular magazine, but the systems are not cross-compatible. The capacity and loading mechanisms are entirely different between the two models.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping typically takes 5-7 business days to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder once the order and compliance checks are processed. We ship via common carriers with adult signature and FFL delivery requirements. You must coordinate directly with your local FFL dealer for the transfer, which usually involves a nominal fee and a standard NICS background check.