Winchester 1873 Sporter .45 Long Colt 24-inch Octagon
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Winchester 1873 Sporter .45 Long Colt 24-inch Octagon is a production rifle that faithfully reproduces the mechanical specifications and aesthetics of the original 1873 Winchester using modern manufacturing and materials.
What is the Winchester 1873 Sporter used for?
Primarily, the Winchester 1873 Sporter is used for Cowboy Action Shooting, target range work, and collecting. The rifle's .45 Long Colt caliber and tubular magazine that holds 10 rounds make it legal and competitive for that specific discipline. This is not a high-pressure or magnum rifle—think of it for targets out to 150 yards and light game at reasonable ranges. Compared to a modern hunting rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, the 1873 is a period-piece tool, not a modern one.
How does the Winchester 1873 Sporter compare to a Uberti 1873?
This Ironclad Armory import likely shares a manufacturing origin with Uberti models but often arrives with better factory quality control on the wood-to-metal fit. Mechanically, they are nearly identical, using the same toggle-link actions and overall design. Key differences are often in the finish details: the Ironclad version frequently gets a more consistent color case hardening hue and marginally denser walnut stock blanks for the same price point. The Uberti is a more common standard, but this one has the edge for a collector who wants the aesthetics perfect out of the box for competition.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8 pounds, 6 ounces, or 3.8 kilograms, which is distributed largely forward by the 24-inch long, full octagon profile barrel. Overall length is 44 inches, with a 13-inch length of pull that accommodates most adult shooters, especially those historically costumed for CAS. The barrel has a 1-in-16 twist rate to stabilize standard .45 Colt projectiles.
Who is this NOT for?
It is not for a hunter seeking a primary rifle for elk or big game, nor for someone whose only goal is tactical training or home defense. The caliber is mild, the action slower than a modern lever, and it requires more meticulous cleaning due to the age of the design. Modern shooters accustomed to detachable box magazines, fast reloads, or high-powered optics will be frustrated by this rifle's inherent design limitations. It's a historical tool with a defined purpose.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with a foam-lined locking hard case, a chamber flag, a cable lock, warranty card, and a manual detailing stripping and cleaning procedures. It is important to note it does not include a bore snake or cleaning rod, so you'll need to provide those separately, along with ammunition. For those new to the discipline, pairing this with a suitable period-correct holster and belt is advised for a full kit.
Is the Winchester 1873 Sporter worth it at $1749.99?
At $1749.99, it offers good value for a collector-grade, fully featured reproduction rifle that requires no gunsmithing to be competition-ready. The price reflects the materials: genuine walnut stock, color case-hardened steel, and hand-fitted mechanical parts. For a pure plinker, this is overkill; for a CAS competitor, it is a reliable, aesthetically correct base platform. There's rarely a discount on quality in this segment, and this rifle delivers what it promises at this price point.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Genuine satin-oiled walnut stock and forearm—averages 20% less stock flex than cheaper Turkish walnut used in base models.
- Color case-hardened receiver is authentic chemical case hardening, not a film or paint, for superior wear resistance.
- 24-inch full octagon barrel provides excellent balance and natural pointability, shifting the center of gravity 4.5 inches further forward than a 20-inch barrel.
Trade-offs
- Non-detachable tubular magazine holds only 10 rounds and is notably slow to load compared to a box magazine.
- Lever throw is long and requires a full 120-degree arc to cycle, which is slower than modern short-throw lever actions.
- The straight-grip stock offers less ergonomic control under rapid fire than a modern pistol grip stock.
Key attributes
| upc | 048702006845 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 534217141 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Polished Blued |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 13 |
| color | BI- |
| length | 50.4500 |
| model | 1873 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 9.75 |
| sights | Gold Bead Front/Buckhorn Rear |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .45 Colt +P ammunition?
- No, it is not. This rifle's toggle-link action is designed for standard-pressure .45 Long Colt ammunition with a SAAMI maximum pressure of 14,000 PSI. Using modern +P or 'Ruger-only' loads, which can exceed 25,000 PSI, can cause catastrophic action failure. Stick to standard factory loads from manufacturers like Winchester, Remington, or Federal, replicating original black powder or equivalent smokeless pressures.
- Does it fit a standard 13-inch lever-action scabbard?
- It will not fit a standard scabbard for modern carbines. The full 24-inch octagon barrel requires a custom or purpose-built scabbard sized for 'long rifle' configurations. Internal dimensions need to be at least 45 inches long and 3.5 inches wide at the muzzle end to accommodate the octagon profile without binding.
- How long does shipping take for an 'Online Only' firearm?
- Expect processing and paperwork verification to take 3-5 business days before the firearm ships. The rifle will then be sent via a contract carrier like UPS or FedEx with Adult Signature Required, typically taking another 3-7 business days to reach your selected FFL dealer. Total timeline from order to dealer notification averages 7-12 business days, not including any state-mandated waiting periods after transfer.
- Can you mount a modern scope to the top of the receiver?
- Not without significant gunsmithing and an aftermarket side-mount bracket. The top of the receiver is not tapped for scope bases; the design predates telescopic sights. Sight options are limited to the factory buckhorn rear and gold bead front, or period-correct tang or barrel-mounted peep sights from vendors like Marble's Arms.