14 http://www.riflemagazine.com Rifle 305used and included traditional bul-
let types, blanks and various shot-
shells that were known to hang up
in some other lever-action designs.
With that said, it is critical to use
ammunition that is within Sport-
ing Arms and Ammunition Man-
ufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI)
overall length specifications for
correct function.
Most original Winchester Model
1873 rifles were constructed of ei-
ther iron or mild steels and were
primarily intended for black-pow-
der ammunition. When smokeless
ammunition was introduced, Win-
chester soon began offering “High
Velocity” loads designed primarily
for the Winchester Model 1892 and
Marlin Model 1894 rifles, both of
which had stronger locking mech-
anisms and significantly improved
steels. Due to the many early
Model 1873s in use with compar-atively weak iron and steel con-
struction, it was specified to not
use the special High Velocity loads
in them.
The above has given the Model
1873 a reputation for being weak.
However, when constructed of
modern steels, they are consider-
ably stronger than original rifles.
For example, since Uberti intro-
duced its modern version in the
early 1970s, it has always been
offered in .357 Magnum, which at
that time had a SAAMI maximum
average pressure of 46,000 CUP
(currently updated to 35,000 psi).
And due to demand, a couple of
years ago Uberti also introduced
the Model 1873 in .44 Magnum,
which generates considerably
greater case head thrust. To safely
handle this cartridge, Uberti up-
graded the steel on the receiver
and bolt, and a special heat-treat-ing process performed at the Be-
retta factory further increases
strength. This is mentioned to pre-
vent shooters from assembling.
Colt handloads that approach.
Magnum pressures and similar
case head thrust and using them
in their Uberti 1873. If +P-style
.45 Colt loads are desired, I sug-
gest limiting pressures to around
20,000 psi, which yield similar
case head thrust as the .357 Mag-
num. For the record, all .45 Colt
handloads in the accompanyingThe rear sight is a semi-buckhorn, while the front is a blade. A ladder rear sight is optional.
The Model 1873 (bottom) is based on the same action designs as the Henry Rifle
(top) and Model 1866 (middle).(^) Cimarron Uberti
Model 1873 Short Rifle
.45 Colt Specifications
Receiver: 1873 Winchester replica,
lever action, King patents
Finish: Case colored receiver and lever,
remainder is blue
Calibers: .32-20, .357 Magnum/.38 Special,
.38-40, .44-40, .44 Special,
.45 Colt
Barrel: 20 inches, octagonal
Twist rate: 1:16, right hand
Capacity: 10+
Stock: Walnut
Rear Sight: Semi-buckhorn,
optional ladder sight
Front Sight: Dovetail mounted blade
Weight: 7.9 pounds
Trigger Pull: 4.25 pounds
MSRP: $1,