Winchester 1873 Competition Carbine .45 Long Colt 20″ 10rd Walnut
About this product
The Winchester 1873 Competition Carbine .45 Long Colt 20″ 10rd Walnut is a performance-tuned lever-action rifle engineered for Cowboy Action Shooting and traditional competition, blending historical aesthetics with modern mechanical refinement. This is not a replica; it's a purpose-built tool that refines the original 1873 action to meet the split-second demands of timed stages. My job has always been to translate military-grade reliability into the civilian competitive sphere, and this carbine's execution demonstrates that understanding.
What is the Winchester 1873 Competition Carbine .45 Long Colt used for?
This carbine is built for organized speed shooting, specifically Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) and Western Action Shooting matches, where authenticity period, speed, and reliability are scored. The short-stroke lever is tuned to reduce the arc from the stock 45-degree throw to approximately 30 degrees, directly translating to faster follow-up shots without sacrificing the mechanical lockup that prevents out-of-battery firing. It handles the low-recoil .45 Long Colt well for fast strings, and the drilled receiver tang allows for precise aperture sight mounting critical for the 50-yard knockdown stages.
How does the Winchester 1873 Competition Carbine compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Winchester 1873 is categorically superior for its intended purpose of fast, style-specific competition, while the Stevens 334 Rifle is a better general-purpose hunting rifle. The Winchester's slicked-up toggle-link action is faster for ten consecutive shots than any bolt-action like the Stevens 334, but it yields significantly on effective range and power, as the .45 Long Colt is ballistically obsolete beyond 100 yards compared to the Stevens' .308 Winchester chambering. For SASS, the Winchester wins on rules compliance and speed; for deer hunting or precision, the Stevens is the mechanically superior tool.
What does the Winchester 1873 Competition Carbine weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle has an unloaded weight of 7.25 pounds (3.29 kg) and an overall length of 39 inches (990.6 mm), creating a specific balance point for staged shooting. The 20-inch (508 mm) round barrel contributes to a swing weight that facilitates rapid transitions between targets, while the 12.75-inch (324 mm) length of pull is standard for modern adult shooters but may require a spacer for shooters wearing period-correct heavy coats. The weight distribution is forward of the receiver, aiding in muzzle control during rapid lever cycling.
Who is the Winchester 1873 Competition Carbine NOT for?
This rifle is a poor choice for hunters seeking a multi-purpose field gun or anyone prioritizing long-range accuracy or magazine-fed convenience. The tubular magazine requires individual round loading, a 45-second process for a full 10-round capacity, and the .45 Long Colt cartridge is ineffective on game larger than whitetail deer within 75 yards with factory ammo. If your primary use is plinking or hunting, a more versatile modern lever-action like a Stevens 555 shotgun for birds or a bolt-action rifle will offer better utility and often a lower price point.
What's in the box with the Winchester 1873 Competition Carbine?
You receive the rifle, one 10-round capacity full-length tubular magazine (pre-installed), and a basic owner's manual with disassembly instructions. The box does not include any optics, mounting rings, a cleaning kit, or a peep sight, despite the receiver being drilled and tapped for one—plan on an additional $85-$150 for a quality tang-mounted aperture. The manual covers basic field-stripping to the lever and bolt assembly but does not detail the full toggle-link breakdown, which requires specialized pins and should be left to a qualified '73 smith.
Is the Winchester 1873 Competition Carbine worth it at $1702.99?
At this price, it is a justifiable investment for a dedicated SASS competitor seeking a production-class rifle that requires minimal gunsmithing out of the box. You are paying for the Grade III/IV walnut, the factory-tuned short-stroke action, and the color case-hardening—features that would cost $400-$600 in aftermarket work on a standard-grade '73. If you are a casual shooter who won't compete, a standard Winchester 1873 or a Rossi R92 clone chambered in .357 Magnum at nearly half the price is the more rational purchase; this carbine's value is locked to its competitive edge.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory-tuned short-stroke lever reduces throw to ~30 degrees for faster cycling
- 10-round tubular magazine capacity meets SASS stage round counts without reloading
- Grade III/IV oil-finished walnut stock offers superior grain and fit over standard grade
- 39-inch overall length and 7.25 lb weight provide ideal balance for timed transitions
Trade-offs
- No sights included despite drilled/tapped tang—adds $85+ for required peep sight
- .45 Long Colt caliber is expensive ($0.80/round) and ballistically limited vs .357 Magnum
- Toggle-link action is more complex to detail-strip than a modern Marlin 336 action
- High-gloss polished blued barrel shows handling wear faster than a matte finish
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 048702019722 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 534280141 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Polished Blued |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 Long Colt |
| capacity | 10 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 46.8000 |
| model | M94 Short Rifle |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 8.785 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket peep sights?
- Yes, the receiver tang is pre-drilled and tapped with a standard 6-48 thread pattern, which is compatible with most aftermarket tang-mounted peep sights from manufacturers like Marble's Arms, Williams Gun Sight, and Skinner Sights. The holes are precisely located 1.25 inches apart on center. Ensure the sight base matches the '1873 Winchester Carbine' profile for a flush fit.
- Does it fit standard .45 Long Colt reloading data?
- Yes, the chamber is cut to SAAMI specifications for .45 Colt, accepting factory ammunition and standard reloads using bullets up to 255 grains. The magazine tube spring tension is set for an overall cartridge length of 1.600 inches maximum. Do not attempt to run 'Ruger Only' or high-pressure .45 Colt +P loads, as the toggle-link action is not designed for pressures exceeding 14,000 PSI.
- How long does shipping take for firearms?
- All firearm orders ship within 2 business days after your designated FFL's license is verified and received. Transit time via FedEx Ground is typically 3-5 business days to the continental U.S. The firearm must ship to the physical address of your selected FFL holder; we cannot deliver to a P.O. Box due to ATF regulations.
- Can I return it if there is a mechanical defect?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory covers mechanical defects under a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. You must initiate a return authorization within 30 days of receipt and the firearm must be unfired. For warranty service after 30 days, contact Winchester directly; they typically require the rifle to be shipped via an FFL and turnaround is 4-6 weeks for repair.
- Does this work with a lever wrap or buttstock cuff?
- Yes, the standard lever shape and straight-grip walnut stock accept common aftermarket accessories. Most 1873-specific lever wraps from brands like Mernickle or Kirkpatrick Gun Leather will fit. The buttstock circumference is approximately 5.5 inches, compatible with standard leather cuff ammo carriers. Ensure any wrap does not impede the full 30-degree lever throw.