Rifle Magazine – July-August 2019

12 http://www.riflemagazine.com Rifle 305

T

he history of the Winchester

Model 1873 lever-action rifle,

produced from 1873 through 1919,

is generally well known. In short,

it was based on the Volcanic de-

sign but featured King’s improved

patent associated with the first

rifle to bear the Winchester name,

the Model 1866 (aka Yellowboy).

Additionally, it featured an iron

frame (changed to steel around

1882) that was stronger to house

MOSTLY LONG GUNS by Brian Pearce

CiMarron uberTi 1873

sHorT rifle .45 ColT

A Cimarron Firearms Uberti Model 1873 Short Rifle .45 Colt

was used to test both handloads and factory ammunition.

“Model 1873” is marked on the tang. The barrel is stamped “45 COLT.”

The Model 1873’s side plates can be removed by removing a single screw. Note the

unique operation of the toggle link action.

the more powerful .44 WCF (.44-

40) centerfire cartridge. It served

admirably in many significant

roles in history and was primar-

ily known as “The gun that won

the West.” It was rugged, reliable

and accurate, and it stood up well

to the harsh frontier conditions. It

became a favorite repeating rifle.

Pristine examples command pre-

mium prices and are best left in

the hands of collectors and as mu-

seum pieces. For shooters, modern

replicas are a practical alternative

because they are stronger, suitable

for smokeless powder, have perfect

bores and can be purchased for a

fraction of the cost of an original.

Aldo Uberti has been producing

lever-action rifles since 1966, with

its Model 1873 Winchester replica

first appearing around 1974, im-

ported by the late Val Forgett, Jr.

under the Navy Arms trademark. I

purchased my first one soon there-

after for the grand sum of $175.

In the years since, I have owned

dozens of Uberti 1873s in several

calibers. Only two of those pro-

duced disappointing accuracy; all

others proved very accurate and

reliable. In the decades since, their

popularity has grown steadily.

They are respected among shoot-

ers who appreciate a quality lev-

ergun, and most purchasers own

more than one.

Uberti offers the Model 1873 in

many barrel lengths and config-

urations, including Trapper Car-

bine, Carbine (saddle ring), Short

Rifle, Sporting Rifle, Sporting De-

luxe (curved pistol grip and check-

ering) and Long Range. Barrels

include 16-, 18-, 19-, 20-, 24.25- and

30-inch lengths and include round,

octagonal and half-round/half-

octagonal versions. Caliber op-

tions include .32-20 Winchester,

.357 Magnum/.38 Special, .38-

Winchester, .44-40 Winchester,.

Special, .44 Magnum and .45 Colt.