New Winchester 1873 Rifle vs Original

[@chrisoseland4643]

I just bought an 1873 38-40 without knowing what it was. I payed a friend for a rusty old repeater that didn't fire. It was laying around the house and I thought it looked cool, so I figured it would be a fun project to get it shooting again. I bought it for $40 and after I cleaned it and found out what it was I started doing research and I was happily surprised. I bought a new mainspring, but it still needs some work. It was made in 1891 second run.

[@WilliamJohnson-g6z]

You did real good with that purchase. Its worth a lot more than 40 bucks.

[@CyclicCollective]

Well done Chris, an excellent purchase. Last time I found an old unloved 73 it cost me $2000. If you do intend to load for it, make sure the toggles are good. Correct headspace is a clue to toggle condition. Some folks find reloading 38-40 tricky and the same for 32-20 and 44-40 but it is easy enough if you don't try to seat the projectike and crimp in one step which will likely crumple the case. Check your magazine spring also, they usually are broken, rusty or have lost their springiness; get a Uberti replacement. Also the inside of the magazine tube is very prone to rusting. Make sure you get yourself a Leeprecision factory crimp die and get projectiles intended for the 38-40 not just any 10mm projectile because overall length is absolutely critical and crimp tightly into the groove with your factory crimp die. If you can buy factory ammo, make sure it is "cowboy" as often 38-40 cartridges are loaded super hot for the 92 Winchester which is far more common and far stronger so would be dangerous for the 73.

[@fredford6816]

Very good review. Enjoyed the many comparisons showing the difference from old to newer. Thank you!

[@davidrabenius726]

As previously mentioned slightly oversized wood is standard on most modern produced guns. A sign of refinishing is to see wood that is flush or slightly undersized. To some collectors this stands out like a sore thumb

[@jfk19780]

miroku did the oversize in case one scratches or dents the wood . allowing for sanding and not going undersized . pretty clever actually !!!

[@H.pylori]

Just what I wanted, a good comparison between the new and original. Well done. Still relevant in 2024.

[@SC93-85]

Great video and very informative, just a note; all three of the rifles in the video are the 24" barrel sporter model, not the 20" variant as they are referred to multiple times throughout.

[@MarksmanTV]

Thanks for watching and for the correction. Freudian slip!

[@wesleyhelmer2451]

I like the half round , half oct barrels!! I have 9 from 1879 to now!! the new ones are the best ones ever!! good video!!

[@GREENLASERDAVE]

Man! You do know the 1873! Great job!

[@HUSTONFARMSest]

Nice video explaining the variations and options of the venerable 1873. It is my favorite rifle and I own a few, but mine are Cimarrons from Uberti. I have originals of a few newer models but haven’t found an original 73 that insisted on jumping in my truck. Yet.

[@southernafricanboy4148]

I'm just a humble guy from Africa, southern Africa to be precise My dad just passed on 2 November 2022. He was born in an African village bue educated himself and in process as he developed acquired firearms When he died he left behind iconic firearms namely -The AR7 (our everyday gun and we have taken over 30 African animals like bushbuck, duiker etc - Lee Anfield .303 MK4 Savage 1899 Charter Arms shotgun P38/P1 pistol Bu I won rest till I get a Winchester 1873. I want one so bad but finding it here will be hard

[@oni_goroshi]

The savage 99 is a great rifle. Probably one of the best lever action designs ever.

[@CyclicCollective]

Yes indeed the Savage 1899 was the only rifle designed by Arthur Savage for the company that bears his name and it was manufactured for 100 years in so many calibres. Mine is in 5.6x52R which WDM

[@loganavery4951]

When you talked about the lever safeties, on the new one, its meant as a well thought out safety, to make it harder to shoot something you dont intend to. On the older one, the safety really only served one purpose. On the 1866, every once in a while you'd get someone that was firing really fast and they'd accidentally pull the trigger slightly before the round fully goes into battery. This was a bad thing because the round going off before its really in the barrel and can blow out the side of the gun and ruin the chamber. The lever safety just ensures that cant happen in the older one. That's why it's so weak.

[@85waspnest]

I bought a Uberti 1866 sporting rifle in 1986. The wood to metal fit is as flush now as it was then.

[@dandersonjr]

One more thing to like about these rifles is the lack of a tang or cross bar safety

[@rayfoster6980]

The straight lever with the curved stock on the Miroku looks ‘wrong’ .

[@joeguzman3558]

I'm getting the 24 inch octagonal barrel pistal grip in 357 , do you like the accuracy on the new ones ?

[@jimh6763]

I'm told that the wood fitment is made over sized because the wood shrinks over time and fits better later in it's life as opposed to shrinking, and being too small?

[@carllove3705]

I just bought a new one made in Japan of course. Commonly referred to as a Miroku, but it also is a Winchester 1873. It is a super fine fit and finish rifle and it is an awesome shooter chambered in 357 magnum. At least mine is. I love this rifle.

[@ringofasho7721]

I got the same rifle and love it

[@andrewbayram765]

I'm in the UK. I bought one yesterday, second had but mint condition 1873 winchester (Miroku) in 357/38 special. There were some new Rossi and Henry's. However, the 1873 as soon as I levered the action had me completely. Going to the range Tuesday with my son and we are going to have a lot of fun.

[@finaloption...]

The people at Miroku deserve a lot of credit for their beautiful work. You can definitely tell they have pride in what they do.

[@sboy1955]

Yep, bought the same 2 years ago. LOVE IT.

[@og-greenmachine8623]

Winchester 32-20 Original Goose bumps, each time you shoulder it❤️

[@ramiroisram]

I was lucky enough recently to pick up a original model Winchester 1873, manufactured in 1881. Damn good action, cycles beautifully, interestingly enough it has a half octagon barrel.

[@rymanjones3]

half octagon? is that half oct/half round, or like half oct on top/bottom and round on the opposite side? never heard of it before

[@brianmihlfeith7135]

Not my gun but this typically means he first half of the barrel (from the receiver) is octagon and the last half (to the muzzle) is round. This was a fairly common offering by a few manufacturers (and still is.)

[@wvojak]

Wood shrinks over time. That's why the newer stocks are a bit over sized. 20 years from now they will fit to the metal just as well as the older guns.

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

Excellent review of three very nice rifles!

[@BrickwallJackson]

Great video!! Thank you! Have you noticed that the octagonal barrel dimensions are smaller on the Miroku models such that there is space between the mag tube and the barrel? Looks odd to me when compared to the originals.

[@francemaecamogao9414]

Speedy Delivery just what I needed.

[@davidgardner863]

I’m surprised he didn’t mention the cleaning rod compartment in the butt stock. Uberti put it in the 1876 so why not in the 1873?

[@joeguzman3558]

japanise people are very perfectionist when it cones to makeing this kind of things

[@carlmoeller56]

Excellent video. Thanks for the comparisons. I would have like it if you compared the original to an Uberti made 1873 as well. Nevertheless thanks for the educational review.

[@marlok1964]

Several years ago here in Tombstone Arizona where I live I wanted the local stores I bought an 1883 model 73 Winchester on the left plate that has inscriptions on it I was wondering if you could tell me how I could find out what the faded words are the rifle is in immaculate condition totally fireable came out of the Arizona Utah border some old rancher had it..

[@frankpmoorejr5308]

Great video thanks for the information.

[@csteelerx1]

thank you for sharing

[@loopmichaelvalentine8273]

The barrels on the originals are almost one inch across the flats and the new ones are about an eighth of an inch less"

[@oni_goroshi]

Some of the original 1873s were actually marked .44 caliber on the brass elevator under the receiver. I have one of the original 1873 One of One Thousands, serial number 28031. I also have an original 1873 saddle ring carbine made in the 1891. Both are marked ".44 Cal" on the brass elevator.

[@charlie1571]

Wait a minute. Did he say that the receiver would be steel in a model "73" in 1862? What is this??

[@oni_goroshi]

Yeah, that confused me too. The original 1860 Henrys were iron frame, then they transitioned to brass until the 1866 was introduced, which was also brass frame. The 1873 was then made of steel.

[@weaselleafful]

Do you have any miroku 1873 CC rifles in stock or can you get them? Thank you for your time.

[@GreenCanoeb]

The pin and screw in the top of the receiver/dust cover rail work with the new firing pin safety.

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

Rimfire casings can be reloaded, it's just more tedious to do, and you have a more limited number of times you can do it. The amerindians used to do it so they'd have more rounds to practice and hunt with.

[@jimdenis8611]

I have the "Winchester" 1873 in the short rifle straight stock (20 in. round barrel) and the deluxe sporter (24 in. 1/2 octagon barrel) pistol grip in the .357 and I wouldn't part with either one of them. Japan is turning out some very nice quality Winchesters. The Italians are making some good ones but I had to have the original, not a copy, that's just me. Buy one of the 1873 Winchesters and I promise you will never regret it.

[@jimdenis8611]

I have both and the short and 24 inch barrel and each of them have their place. Walking the woods or a truck rifle I would choose the short 1873. The longer one I use for bench shooting. They are great guns, can’t go wrong with any of them.

[@jimdenis8611]

They make different curve levers. The one on my 1894 is a little different from the one on my 1873 Sporter .357. Believe me the have been engineered for both and they know what they are doing. That may not be comfortable for you, different strokes for different folks..

[@garyhiggins6718]

To me, the pistol grip stock just looks wrong, the configuration I would like would be strait stock in curly maple, checkered with a long octagonal barrel! I saw one like that back in the 1960s, in the American History Museum at Bath!

[@KG-wn7fm]

I like the new vs old. Browning A5 would be nice.

[@BellicoseNation]

I wonder, if these calibers in ammunition are readily available and at a reasonable price?

[@azshooter348]

I have the .357 mag. Uberti that appears to be more true to the original Winchester: solid firing pin without springloaded insert; plain front sight without the brass dot insert; none of the extraneous importer/manufacturer rollstamp to ¢rap up the barrel. The top flat is marked: "Taylor's & Co. Winchester, VA A.Uberti, Italy and .357 Mag.

[@andrewslagle1974]

the miroku is a very high quality gun , the bluing is flawless and the color case is some of the best i have ever seen .

[@davidgardner863]

It would more true to the original in 44-40.

[@grovyle4908]

The rollmarks on the Miroku guns are unfortunate. "Winchester is a register trademark of Olin Corporation" who cares? If it isn't legally required, it should stay off the gun. Regardless, I think i'll buy the Miroku version as they are very well made.

[@thecanadianlanboy8132]

The wood is meant to be slightly proud, to allow for refinishing as the stock gets dinged up.

[@duffysullivan2794]

Nice presentation! Held my attention throughout. And I was just stopping by, wasn't expecting to watch the entire video 🙂

[@nickschneider774]

I wish you had dived into the internals. That's what I was most curious about. I need to know if I can shoot high pressure 45 colt loads in a modern 1873 due to the new metallurgy.

[@oni_goroshi]

Modern rounds are fine in modern guns.

[@MP2Tablet]

Modern rounds in modern guns. But the issue is the design, as much as metallurgy. The toggle system isn't the best for higher pressures. So hot loads are a risk. The manufacturers suggests standard loads. Now a rifle like the 1892. If you have an original, you are more likely to be able to use light modern cartridges because of the drop block design. My brother owns one that's been in our family for a hundred years and has shot smokeless loads. It doesn't get shot often though.

[@Eurofilme]

QUESTION: Is the Sporter Version with the pistol grip stock (the one in the middle) based on an original 1873 Stock? Just wondering.

[@sonnygunz9207]

Thank you for making this video. Beautiful rifles.

[@toddkurtz7635]

I believe the tighter fit on the original has to do with wear on the wood over a hundred years and not necessarily better craftsmanship.

[@drewnic]

The stock sits proud intentionally to allow for shrinkage over time.

[@jimdent351]

If the wood used on these stocks was properly seasoned, then there would be no shrinking. Furniture grade / gunstock timber should never shrink that much. Construction grade lumber shrinks because it is cut, milled, and sold to the customer as green lumber. If anything the stock will swell rather than shrink. If the stock is to shrink then it's because it's kept for extended periods in a location with very low humidity. If that being the case, the wood will swell back to its original mill specs with increased humidity.

[@forwardobserver1]

It has little to do with shrinkage, but having the wood proud to metal allows for refinishing. Over the years the stocks would get handling marks such as scratches and compression marks. Dents could be raised a bit with steaming, but scratches generally require sanding. With every refinish, you are going to lose some wood and that is why the stocks come proud to the guns. I have seen plenty of old Winchesters where the wood has been refinished so many times that the wood looks like it did shrink, but that is not the case.

[@409rommel]

forwardobserver1 , this is the same reason I have heard over the years👍

[@cs-rj8ru]

@@forwardobserver1 I've read/ heard the same thing, but you know i've had a couple newer miroku rifles and the walnut had shrank a bit since leaving the factory. Proud plastic butt plates are a good indicator of it.

[@jimdent351]

@130starfish I have some firearms that are in excess of 40 y.o. None of them have ill fitting wood, even around the butt plate where some of them are rubber pads that are glued on, and a couple that are metal. They still fit every bit as well as the day they left the factory. Like I said, if it's properly seasoned there will be no more shrinking. When wood cracks over time, it is because there is moisture in it still. This is especially true with lumber that is put into into an environment to be seasoned. In which case, once it's completely dried there is cracked wood on either end of the planks. My original comment is still accurate!

[@michaelvalentine629]

The reason the original's were heavier is the barrels were almost a full inch thick at the breech, looks better too"

[@CyclicCollective]

Nice coverage; do the new Winchesters use a coil mainspring internally?

[@MP2Tablet]

Not on Uberti rifles. Leaf type.

[@sonnygunz9207]

I need an original 1873 in my life.

[@cjcullar]

I’ve got one I’m trying to sell lol

[@birendersinghsachan182]

Wonderful video good information well done keep it up

[@TPWDpr3]

I have been trying to buy a 1873 with a 30' barrel in a 45long colt. I had found 3 of them for sale on the net, but just as I acquired enough funds to purchase one, all 3 had sold. And now I am unable to locate one. anyone got any idea's where a man might find one?

[@kollinkirby8218]

I have an original 1873 And the Barrel is shinny and the rifling looks good. Its chambered in 44 40. My question is that it has some worn parts in the lever action. should I replace the parts and clean up the gun or leave it original and hang it?? Its a family heirloom so i'm kind of torn which way to go.

[@tomlee2481]

You could get new parts and keep the originals. Im pretty sure those things you can swap in and out, so you could swap the parts and shoot the gun, and then u have the original stuff to keep the gun all original

[@BellicoseNation]

historic items, from guns to guitars are always more valuable with original parts. Even heavy cleaning can reduce appeal and value.

[@CyclicCollective]

Homestead gun parts have most parts newly manufactured for your original. When preserving old guns be very conservative, try not to damage the finish.

[@royalblue2043]

If I owned that rifle I would not replace any parts. I would never overload it.Just my two bits.

[@oni_goroshi]

You're fine changing out the parts for new ones, just keep the originals. As for cleaning the gun up, just clean any rust with 0000 steel wool with some oil on it (mineral or motor oil). That will also remove dirt and grime without hurting the finish. After you're done coat the metal parts with a very thin coat of mineral or motor oil and you're done.

[@MrZola1234]

Thanks for the comparison. I have two Uberti 1873's a short rifle 20' barrel checkered front stock with a pistol grip. The other one is a texas brush popper in a straight stock, half round half octogon. Love them, they are race ready for CAS

[@garythalmann5005]

Excellent video

[@danyeldan2139]

I bought Uberti 45 colt 18 inch rifle I didnt go to shoot yet but any advice?

[@CyclicCollective]

Always wear ear and eye protection, shoot straight and enjoy yourself :)

[@cristiandanielpopescu4793]

To these legendary weapons,I wonder the lock system: how the parts resist to the pressure behind the fire chamber

[@Bouzoukiellas]

Science

[@MP2Tablet]

Like your legs. If they are slightly bent they collapse under heavy weight. But lock your knees straight and they can hold a lot more.

[@denizen9998]

Will the recent models be able to shoot 45+p?

[@joeguzman3558]

I'm on the fence between a winchester made in Japan or a uberti ,wich one do you think is a better rife ?which one would you buy? thank you

[@tegunn]

For this particular model(1873) I'm getting a Winchester/Miroku-barreled rifle. I have the 1886 and you can't beat the quality of finish-inside and out.

[@200mphz06]

There can't be a prettier rifle than my 24" Uberti pistol grip rifle. Refinement and performance are excellent.

[@409rommel]

I have a Uberti Henry, from Navy Arms and a Miroku Winchester 1866. Both nice, the Uberti uses “fancier”wood but the finish on the Winchester is very nice. Both are quality. Just depends on your taste... both fire superb

[@jimdenis8611]

Winchester hands down!😊👍🇺🇸

[@skywatcher1495]

Umm. Stocks shrink with time and I suspect our friends at Miroku know that. As did Winchester. Yes, as you put it, it is changing. Think!

[@jw0stephens]

I have an original 38-40 73. we were always paranoid about shooting any smokeless powder rounds in it. and didn't fire it till someone made up some 38-40 WCF with black powder. Anything about the newer ones, or why we were told to be careful of the smokeless? My dad was told it, and the source and reason is lost in time. He had it from about 1940, and was told around that time not to use smokeless powder. He worked @ Lake City arsenal making ammunition an wasn't one without sources, or bad sources, so I have put trust into the advice. personally I'd love one of these in 22 caliber. I have two Winchester 74 semi auto that are fun to fire, but one of these would soak up more of the kick of the 22LR for that round. You didn't mention the new ones firing that. Also though all ammunition is much higher now, 22 is still to me as much fun for plinking as larger pieces of lead going down range. Any comment on the Winchester 1 of 1000 program with the new ones?

[@CyclicCollective]

There will be smokeless loads that are no more powerful than blackpowder intended for cowboy action which will be fine. Avoid jacketed bullets as they were never intended for that and you should be fine. Some smokeless ammunition specifically contains warnings to only use in 1892 models and later so obviously avoid that stuff.

[@jw0stephens]

@@CyclicCollective thank you for the info.

[@billnopoles1934]

I think you should mention that Henry also introduced a cartridge with his rifle, .44Henry Flat, rimfire, because the powder-bullets of the Vulcanic rifle were nor powerful enough.

[@johninphx9360]

Any chance of getting a Winchester Japanese 1873 vs Uberti 1873 rifle video? I'm saving for my first 1873 and that is my problem! Im not happy with the Ruger like "Billboard" made in Japan printed on the barrel of the Winchester. That is a bigger issue then the wood...it will shrink!

[@borkwoof696]

I know that a lot of custom rifles come with the wood intentionally proud, expecting that some time down the rifle‘s life, the stock will be sanded down and refinished. Might also be the case here.

[@johnhudak3829]

I think if you put calipers on those barrel flats, you'll find that the Mirokus are smaller than the original. That would shave the weight down significantly on a 24" barrel.

[@allangibson8494]

And you would find that the Japanese version is metric. The US inch was also redefined on 1 July 1959 to exactly 25.4mm, slightly smaller than it was previously. The UK inch was previously slightly smaller than the US inch and the new metric definition split the difference (which was wide enough that precision machined tolerances were incompatible even though theoretically identical).

[@henrywickham]

The originals would have had a then standard reddish stain applied to the walnut stock.

[@rymanjones3]

why dont manufacturers (as to my knowledge) do custom orders nowadays?

[@SuperHorseshoer]

i think the new ones actions are the best to say winchester ever

[@jiveturkey9993]

I'd heard that they make the wood fit a little larger on the reproductions because they anticipated shrinking over the years. That little high part is intentional. Culturally Japanese are absolutely fanatical when it comes to trying to achieve excellence in craftsmanship.

[@SlickSixguns]

I thought this video was very good found out some info I didn’t know

[@jeffjackson6965]

Very interesting.

[@dannyrivers3922]

I thought you were gonna compare their shooting from one to another!

[@SunsetSam]

Very good video with much interessting informations. Thanks for it

[@DRayL_]

Good video. I've come to the place where I want to get a Winchester 1873 [The Winchester rather than the Uberti], but to do that, I'll have to sell some "assault style" rifles to help fund it. And I'm to the point where I'm okay doing that. Rather than the typical [everyone seems to have one] type of rifle, I'd rather have a 24" octagon barrel, case hardened, straight stock Winchester...probably in 357/38. They are amazing looking and much more interesting to me.

[@jimdenis8611]

I like the 357/38 too. You can find the ammo at any Wal Mart for the right price. The 44-40 and the 45 colt are good calibers but you will have to go to a specialty gun store (Cabela's) and pay a little bit more money. I just like that .357, flat shooting and hard hitting..

[@jimdenis8611]

Obviously the 1892 is a stronger design however the toggle link handles the.357 like a BOSS. If I was going to war I would and had to choose between the two I would probably choose the 1892. I really like the nostalgic toggle bolt system though. How hundreds of thousands have they made. Can’t go wrong with either one but I can tell you the toggle 1873 is SWEET and SMOOTH 😊

[@Boy777USA]

gaps are made for special, with time like few years they will be gone

[@bobclifton8021]

You're not nitpicking. When you pay that much for a firearm you expect to see some decent fit and finish. The wood to metal juncture should be smooth, not stepped.

[@henrywickham]

Even on original Winchesters, the wood was finished oversized to not only allow for shrinking but also refinishing in future....

[@bobclifton8021]

@@henrywickham If the wood is sealed properly during manufacture, and is never left out in the weather for long periods of time, shrinkage will not be a problem.

[@fearjune]

Oversized wood is standard for shirking

[@DRayL_]

BTW,...how rare was the "pistol grip" version, back in the 'Old West'?

[@skillage18]

Pretty rare. So was checkering, case hardening etc... The wealthy only collected firearms. your standard farmer surely wasnt going to pay an extra 2-5 dollars for extra options on the rifle that are cosmetic.

[@DRayL_]

Thank you for the input. I'm in a conundrum. I'm looking to get an Uberti/Taylors 1873 repo,...but the one with the best looking "case color" is a checkered pistol grip version. I'd prefer straight stock without checkering. I'd actually prefer the Winchester brand, but those are really hard to find in 20" straight stock and when you do, they are a few hundred dollars more.

[@northernwoodsman]

Here. Look on this channel I just bought a 1873. Im the guy that replied to you. Its a bit fancy, but its a Winchester mfg 1888. Im not a fan of shiny things but I really liked the look of this one. I dont really like the look of pistol grips and checkered stocks. Its just personal preference obviously, but i feel like e share the same tastes from what you said! :)

[@CyclicCollective]

I believe they are a rare but genuine option but a useless design since your fingers are constrained within the lever loop so the pistol grip makes absolutely no sense because you don't actually reach it. It also looks terrible IMHO. Some other lever action rifles like the Savage 99 contour the lever to conform to the shape of the pistol grip so that actually works and makes sense.

[@DRayL_]

@@CyclicCollective I forgot I had made this post so many years ago. But thanks for your input. I agree with what you said. As a very related side note, I did end up finding a very nice straight stock Taylors 1873 [in 357/38 Special] with checkered stock and case color hardening. I had looked for a long time and eventually ruled out Winchester because they used a "case color" technique that I didn't really care for....which is a shame because I would have rather had a rifle with the Winchester name. Anyway, the Taylors I got is very nice and lives in my safe in a rifle sock to keep it safer.

[@ophiuchus99]

I really liked the video right up to the point of the ad asking me to join the movement to impeach Trump.

[@pennsyltuckyden9823]

WTF DONT FORGET TO VOTE REPUBLICAN IN THE MIDTERMS. HELP TRUMP HELP US

[@annabeltheunicorn9374]

Strange for a gun Vidio, we like Trump in the Uk its only the lefty media says we dont lol

[@jfk19780]

ill take the miroku over the original any day all day .. no brainer better steel and much better quality . the japanese are way better smiths than most and their second too none !!!!

[@caseymelick8023]

No truer words

[@jonasvm]

150 years of use certainly wears in the wood

[@tomslongguns443]

Well the modern replica use modern ammo ? I'm not talking about cowboy rounds .

[@oni_goroshi]

Yes

[@bananasticks1071]

The wood is a little larger incase you need to refinish/sand them. The Japanese think about everything.

[@libertatusinperpetuum2046]

I like the Uberti better and you don't have to wait 6 months to get it!

[@tergro7575]

Or is it just the brand I am using

[@skywatcher1495]

PS. By comparison, Uberti is, for all it's progress, at best, questionable, certainly in comparison to the Miroku reproductions.

[@ernieparker4309]

I agree

[@billclifton8400]

They so dropped the ball on the Miroku 1873s. Very disappointing. Uberti is a much better option if historic accuracy means anything to you. Example that pistol grip model in the video should have a curved finger lever, those Miroku just look like a toy and not a real gun. That screw you bring up in the video on the Miroku not being correct is to do with the non correct silly action inside them. The design failure of these is unfortunate because Miroku themselves make nice quality guns.

[@davidgardner863]

It would have been nice if Uberti put in a trap door in the butt plate for the cleaning rod like they did on the ‘76 and the caliber on the bottom of the lifter like the originals.

[@billclifton8400]

@@davidgardner863Uberti did do it and it was a nice touch when they were doing it. Why they still do it on the 76 but not the 73 I suppose is all about price point I assume. I still have one Uberti 73 with the cleaning rod pocket in the stock. I have several custom orders through Cimarron but never thought to ask if they could still do that on a 73.

[@jasonkoestner4630]

Nice video but the 1873 was discontinued in 1916

[@andrewslagle1974]

1923

[@tergro7575]

Anybody else having problems with the 44-40 bullet getting shoved down in the cartridge

[@CyclicCollective]

Yes, this is extremely common with home loads and some people give up altogether. If you reload, get yourself a Lee Factory crimp die and adjust your standard seater die to just set bullet depth and then crimp as a separate step with the factory crimp die. The die is activated by the reloading press ram and does not put any downward pressure on the cartridge case so absolutely cannot cause a case buckle and you can make the crimp as strong as you like. If you do not reload, you may have too many coils in your magazine spring; remove your end cap carefully so parts don't fly away and note how far the coil spring sticks out which should be no more than about 5 - 6 inches. I just removed about 4 inches from one of mine the other day. Magazine springs arrive with enough coils for the 17 shot musket version so are generally a lot too long. Be conservative when removing spring because obviously you can't put it back. Homestead gun parts sell the replacement springs and Jaqueline posts all over the world but I think the Uberti ones may be slightly better as the coils are wider and they don't seem to ramp up in weight quite as much. When you have your spring out, take the opportunity to carefully clean and oil the inside of the magazine tube; these are prone to rusting.

[@davidgardner863]

Use a full case of Pyrodex P slightly compressed, then the bullet can’t be pushed in and there is no possibility of an accidental overload.

[@tergro7575]

Yes with factory loads

[@davidgardner863]

I’ve been reloading 44-40, and 38-40 with RCBS 3 die sets for 20 years and never had a bullet drop down into the case. If someone is having a problem with this, they’re not setting the crimp properly.

[@tegunn]

I believe the case hardening is with bone/charcoal, not chemical on the new U.S. Winchesters

[@tonywilliamson741]

nope

[@99dsm1]

@@tonywilliamson741 there is a version with bone case hardening done by Doug Turnbull. It is around 3 grand

[@rmwtsou]

Now, let's get this straight: all current-production Winchester Model 1873s (and models 1892, 1894 and 1866 too, for that matter) are all "originals" since they all bear the Winchester trademark and name and thus are not reproductions like the Uberti. The minor differences of the new-production rifles from the old-production ones just represent evolution of the design over time, which happens with products of any company. You wouldn't call a Gen-4 Glock not an "original" Glock since it differs from a Gen-1 Glock, would you? Furthermore, it matters NOT whether these rifles were made in New Haven, Connecticut, or made in Japan. All Trump children are "real" Trumps whether they were born to Ivana, who was from Czechoslovakia, Marla Maples, who was from the USA, or Melania, who was from Slovenia. Case closed.

[@r.parker1933]

I think a better comparison is the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation Colt Single Actions. Made at different periods in history, and obviously the 1sf Gens are the most "desirable" (from most points of view). But they're all Colts.

[@rmwtsou]

@@r.parker1933Yes. As long as it has the Colt registered trademark on it, it is a genuine Colt.

[@6h471]

Sorry, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company of New Haven Connecticut went out of business in 1981, selling off the rights to use the Winchester name to be put on all sorts of stuff, from guns made from their designs, to cheapy Chinese built pocket knives, all sorts of junk. Unless it says Winchester Repeating Arms Co. on it, and was built before the company ceased operations, it ain't a real Winchester.

[@CyclicCollective]

Both Uberti and new Winchesters are different than the originals and both have improvements but above all they have youth and great metallurgy where you can expect a 130+ year to have a lots of wear issues and the steel on the original Winchesters, well it is quite soft, up to the job, but soft by any modern standards. Uberti started making 1873 Winchester reproductions way back and they were rather problematic at first. I know as I have serial number 000036 made in 1964 [XX] which is the same year I was made and I do shoot that rifle and it shoots accurately but where the toggles meet the bolt is rather wanting, certainly not as well made as an original Winchester. By 1974 [XXX] they were knocking out pretty nice 1866 models but internally they were just brass/bronze 1873 models without side plates and incorporating things like the lever trigger safety. It was not until quite late that they started making real 1866 models with no lever trigger safety. I have never tried pulling the trigger early on one of those but that is a different rabbit hole. Teleport through to my year 2000 [BN] built Uberti and that is an incredible quality rifle quite different than the 1964 or 1974 models and internally still quite different to the original Winchester but externally identical. I expect that Miroku would make an excellent rifle but the new Uberti really is a great rifle too, just choose Japanese or Italian; it is still a Winchester design, mostly and will still be good enough to hand down to your grandchildren.

[@oni_goroshi]

That's a ridiculous argument. What's authentic? The Indian motorcycles made from 1901 to 1953, the Royal Enfield versions made in England using old and new Indian parts, the Gilroy version from the 90s, or the new Indians made by Polaris? Of course the original 1901 to 1953 Indians are the authentic ones. Winchester of today isn't even the same Winchester of the 1860s to mid 1900s.

[@33journeyman]

You speak well and fast while sounding very authoritative. I applaud your efforts if your not trying to sound like the cheapest lawyer in town who will lose your case. You have a long way to go in reviewing in the Win 1873. Lots you incredibly wrong...😢

[@dennishartford2077]

Ill take the original

[@WilliamJohnson-g6z]

I would take an old one over a new one every single time. The new ones just don't compare. Too many importation marks too many trademarks. Not the same Winchester I grew up with.

[@kajusrieger9216]

👍👍👍

[@pennsyltuckyden9823]

Awesome rifles, lots of great info. You might like to check out a couple of Winchesters on my channel, thanks.

[@JerzshoreXx]

After sighting in at 60 feet, I could easily cover 5 shots with a nickel kzbin.infoUgkxQt2uORDRfFOVSrO4idv4B90ThT6EOnEL ! Truly a pleasure to shoot! Scope was easy to adjust for eye relief. Only problem the varmints must have seen it delivered lol!Update: So impressed with shot groups at 30 yards I purchased a Hammers 3×9 with adjustable Objective scope! Now a true nail driver!

[@blueduck9409]

The original 1873 Winchesters are superior to the modern Japan made rifles. I would take an original over a modern Japan rifle everytime. I would take an Uberti made 73 rifle over the ones made in Japan. Too many changes, at least Uberti makes a modern rifle and tries to keep the design the same.

[@tomgibson5769]

Focus focus focus.

[@BloodiedYetUnbowed]

It is a fallacy to refer to new Winchester rifles as "reproductions". They are, in fact, real Winchester rifles. Also, it is not a brass bead on the front sight of the new rifles. It's actually made of gold.

[@oni_goroshi]

They are reproductions. Winchester arms company of the 1860s and 1870s is not the same as Winchester of today. Just as Henry of today is not the same as Henry\ Newhaven arms of 1860.

[@KDD0063]

pronounce the letter L LLLLLLLLLLLLLL