Two versions are available initially, an 1873 Short Rifle featuring a 20-inch round barrel on a blued receiver with the tang drilled and tapped for a peep sight at an MSRP of $1,299, and a Model 73 Sporting Rifle that differs in that the receiver is color case-hardened and the stock is a higher grade of walnut with an MSRP of $1,599.

I used my sample at a recent cowboy action match and found it virtually flawless in function. My compadres got in some trigger time with it, and about the only complaint was, “When will it be available in .44-40?” We tend to be a traditional bunch.

It is great to see the Model 1873 again. Whether it will depose the upstarts that jumped into the market while a previous iteration of Winchester dithered is too close to call. They have a near 20-year head start. But there’s no denying this is a real Winchester—The gun that won the West.

Manufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms; (800) 945-5237; Winchesterguns.com
Model: Winchester Model 1873
Type: Lever-action repeating rifle
Caliber: .38 Spl./.357 Mag.
Barrel: 20”; 1:16” RH
Trigger: 6 lbs., 7 oz.
Magazine: Tubular; 10 rounds in .357, 11 rounds .38 Spl.
Sights: Semi-buckhorn rear; brass bead front
Safety: Passive bolt safety; lever interlock with trigger
Stock: Walnut; 13” LOP, 1 ¾” drop at comb; 3” drop at heel
Overall Length: 39”
Weight: 7 lbs., 4 oz.
Metal Finish: Blue
Suggested Retail Price: $1,299