Winchester Model 1873 Short Rifle .45 LC 20″ Case Colored/Walnut
About this product
The Winchester Model 1873 Short Rifle .45 LC is a modern reproduction of the "Gun that Won the West," featuring a 20-inch barrel and chambered in .45 Long Colt. This specific configuration prioritizes maneuverability and classic aesthetics, with a color case hardened receiver and straight-grip walnut stock. It retains the original 1873's toggle-link action but incorporates modern conveniences like a drilled-and-tapped rear tang for aftermarket sight options.
What is the Winchester Model 1873 Short Rifle used for?
This Short Rifle is engineered for modern practical shooting applications like cowboy action (CAS/SASS) competition and dedicated-range use with classic cartridges. Its 20-inch barrel offers faster handling than the standard 24.25-inch rifle and better ballistics than the 18.5-inch trapper, making it a versatile compromise. With a 1:26" twist rate, it stabilizes heavier 250-255 grain lead bullets at the modest velocities .45 Colt is known for, ideal for steel targets within 100 yards.
How does the Winchester Model 1873 compare to the Stevens 334?
The 1873 and the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win serve entirely different ballistic and regulatory purposes. The 1873 .45 Colt is a lever-action rifle firing a straight-walled pistol cartridge; in most jurisdictions, it's legally not considered a "rifle cartridge," which can simplify transport and sale. The Stevens 334 in .308 is a bolt-action firing a high-pressure modern rifle round—better for precision hunting at 300+ yards, where the 1873 is a 100-yard gun at best.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle has an overall length of 39 inches and balances at a point 12.5 inches forward of the receiver, which aids in rapid lever-cycling follow-through. It weighs 7 pounds 4 ounces (approximately 3.29 kg), which is noticeably lighter than a modern bolt-action like the Stevens 334 by nearly a pound. The 20-inch barrel maintains a full-length magazine tube with an approximate capacity of 11 rounds of .45 Colt, depending on OAL.
Who is this NOT for?
The 1873 Short Rifle is a poor choice for hunters pursuing deer beyond 125 yards or anyone seeking a multi-caliber platform. Its .45 Long Colt chambering produces roughly 400 ft-lbs of muzzle energy with factory loads—less than half that of a typical .30-30 Winchester lever gun. It's also not for the buyer who dislikes maintenance; the color case hardening and blued steel will show wear and require regular oiling to prevent surface corrosion, unlike a modern Cerakote finish.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one empty magazine tube, and an owner's manual covering basic takedown and warranty registration. The rifle ships from the distributor in a padded hard case weighing 8.7 pounds total. Ironclad Armory does not include any ammunition, cleaning supplies, or sight-adjustment tools by default; you must purchase a .45 Colt-specific lever gun cleaning rod separately.
Is the Winchester Model 1873 Short Rifle worth it at $1609.99?
At this price, you are paying for authentic machining, materials, and fitment versus a budget cowboy replica. Compared to a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun, which might cost $800, the 1873's cost reflects its intricate receiver forging and hand-fitted walnut. For a dedicated CAS shooter who needs period-correct reliability, it's a justifiable investment. For a casual plinker wanting a generic lever gun, a Rossi or Henry .357 Magnum at half the price makes more financial sense.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 1:26" twist rate barrel — correctly stabilizes 255-grain lead bullets for CAS accuracy.
- 7 lb 4 oz weight — 14 ounces lighter than many modern bolt-actions in similar lengths, aiding speed in cowboy action stages.
- Factory-drilled tang — accepts #6-48 screws for peep sights without needing a gunsmith.
- Grade II/III walnut stock — offers better grain and figure than the utilitarian wood on many entry-level reproductions.
Trade-offs
- Limited-pressure chambering — restricted to 14,000 PSI .45 Colt, cannot safely use modern high-pressure loads available in stronger modern actions.
- Blued steel finish — requires diligent oiling to prevent rust in humid climates, unlike stainless or Cerakote options.
- No included sights upgrade — the basic semi-buckhorn rear and bead front are serviceable but not ideal for precision work; expect to spend $100-$200 on a tang peep sight for serious target use.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 048702003875 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 534202141 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Brushed Polish Blued |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 46.5500 |
| model | 1873 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 9.2 |
| sights | Gold Bead Front/Buckhorn Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a tang-mounted peep sight?
- Yes, the rear tang is factory drilled and tapped for a #6-48 screw pattern, which is standard for most aftermarket tang sights from manufacturers like Marble's or Lyman. Installation requires removing the stock and drilling the existing holes to a depth of 0.35 inches to ensure proper thread engagement for the sight base.
- Does this work with .45 Colt +P ammunition?
- No. The 1873's action is not designed for high-pressure loads. Stick to standard-pressure .45 Long Colt ammunition with a SAAMI maximum pressure of 14,000 PSI. Using "Ruger Only" or +P loads exceeding 25,000 PSI risks catastrophic action failure and voids the warranty.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping from our Montana warehouse to a lower-48 FFL typically takes 3-5 business days via FedEx Freight with adult signature required. FFL paperwork verification adds 24-48 hours before the rifle ships. Alaska and Hawaii shipments can take 7-10 business days.
- Can I return it if there's a machining defect?
- Yes. Ironclad Armory offers a 10-day inspection period upon receipt at your FFL for any non-function or manufacturing defect. You must notify us within that window and return it in the original, undamaged packaging via our insured carrier system. Cosmetic finish variations inherent to case coloring are not considered defects.