Winchester Model 1873

by
posted on November 4, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
1873_f.jpg

If you read enough gun magazines or watch any outdoor-themed TV shows, you’ve no doubt noticed that there’s no real shortage of firearm models that are designated “iconic” or “legendary.” And, hey, most of those guns are very much deserving of such superlatives. There are just a select few firearms, however, that have risen to such a level that they receive a moniker all their own. One of them, of course, is the “Gun that Won the West,” more commonly known as the Winchester Model 1873.

Now, nearly a century after being discontinued by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, shooters once again have the opportunity to purchase a Model 1873 that comes complete with the Winchester name stamped on the barrel. The “new” Model 73 is available in two variations-the Model 1873 Short Rifle and the Model 1873 Sporter Case Hardened.

You can learn more about the 1873 Short Rifle in the video below, hosted by Associate Online Editor Shawn Skipper.

Technical Specifications:

Caliber: .357 Mag. (.38 Spl.)

Action Type: lever-action, center-fire repeating rifle

Receiver: blued steel

Barrel: 20", round

Rifling: six-groove, 1:183⁄4" RH twist

Magazine: tubular under-barrel, 10-round capacity (11 rounds of .38 Spl.)

Sights: Marble’s gold bead front, semi-buckhorn rear elevator adjustable for elevation; drift adjustable for windage

Trigger: single-stage, 3-lb., 14-oz. pull

Stock: oil-stained walnut: length of pull, 13", drop at heel, 3"; drop at comb, 1¾"

Overall Length: 39"

Weight: 7 lbs., 4 ozs.

MSRP: $1,300 (Short Rifle), $1,580 (Case Hardened)

Multimedia:

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.