Uberti 1866 Yellowboy | Reproduction Winchester 66

The first rifle manufactured under the "Winchester" brand, was the model 1866, sometimes known as the "Yellowboy". This particular rifle is a reproduction made by Uberti and imported by Stoeger. Mine is chambered in .45 Colt and sports beautiful walnut furniture, color case hardened lever and hammer and a silky smooth blued, octagon barrel.
Lets take it out to the Saloon and sling a few rounds down range.
Champion Traps and Targets LE B27 Black Police Silhouette Target (Pack of 100) , 24" x 45":
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Check out some of my favorite channels dedicated to the "Old West" and firearms related stuff!
Arizona Ghostriders
/ @arizonaghostriders
Guns Of The West
/ @gunsofthewest
Chuckin'
/ @chuckintv
Squib Load
/ @squib1911

[@oneida41859]

Yours is the video that got me to buy a 1866! Thanks . I love my yellowboy. Thanks again! Take care.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I hope that's a good thing! Enjoy it and be safe. Thanks for watching!

[@manyrounds5468]

Sweet rifle. Simple, handy, easy to operate. The wind is blowing sideways against us, soon it will blow very hard. Nehemiah knew what to do.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Yes. Thanks for watching!

[@8626John]

Beautiful rifle, Richard! I finally got the chance to watch this video. Good trick with the loading gate. I do like a lever gun!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

After you get a bunch of little cuts on your finger tips, you try to figure out a better way! Thanks for watching!

[@anangryranger]

Thanks Richard, for sharing your rifle with us. A fine example of "class in brass".👍 Most every long gun here is a pistol caliber levergun. And of course, there's one or two SAA's to match the cartridge In the rifles.😁

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

It's kind of nice when you only have to carry one caliber. Thanks for watching!

[@SavageMcBeastdog]

I bought one a few years ago and it is one of my prized possessions. I just added beautiful brass flip up coast sight and a lyman peep to mine. I was able to keep the rear buckhorn on with the low front blade and flip up both for longer shots. Slixshot make a nice mag plug and wrench. Great gun! I’m happy for you.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I did do a complete disassembly and cleaning before taking it out to the range. This one wasn't bad but I have seen them with a lot of gunk in them. Thanks for watching!

[@mr.velous4070]

Thanks for sharing your thought on this beautiful model, Richard! I´ve one myself but in .22lr with a 24 inch Barrel. Wonderful gun but quite heavy to be honest 😀

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Assuming all the outside dimensions are the same on your .22, as they are on mine in .45, I'll bet it's even heavier than mine. They sure do look nice though! Thanks for watching!

[@Squib1911]

Thanx for the close up of the lever locking latch.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Glad to help!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

What a rifle, eh? Man those are cool.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I think so too Santee!

[@sasquatch885]

I’ve got one in 45. And love it. Like to get one in 44-40, but can’t find the brass.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I feel your pain! I did manage to pick up some 44-40 brass several months ago, but just like the wind, it's gone again. Thanks for watching!

[@sasquatch885]

What’s funny is I was thinking about getting a 44-40 ‘66. Then I was thinking I haven’t seen a video from you in awhile. Is this a sign? I think it is.😬

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I've been working on some other projects for my other channel. I also only get the weekends to do videos and between all this and the regular "honey-do" stuff, It can be pretty daunting!

[@A.R.American1]

That is a gorgeous rifle buddy

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thank you Sir! Shoots really nice too!

[@beetlefang]

Very nice review, and great shooting.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks! Thanks for watching too!

[@denizen9998]

The 1866 was a HUGE improvement over the Henry. The Henry was just awkward to say the least.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I agree!

[@SkunkWorksRifle]

Nice rifle and good shooting 😎👍🇺🇸

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thank you!

[@joemorganeatmyshortschannel]

Thats a cool one

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Shoots nice too! Thanks for watching Joe!

[@kevinbietry7527]

I have that exact model

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

They're pretty sweet! Thanks for watching!

[@keithlincoln1309]

I collect Uberti guns because of their fit and finish quality and smooth action. Great video!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Oh I agree! I have a few and I'm still looking for more. Keep on collecting and thanks for watching!

[@ironhorse127]

Such a beautiful rifle. Great video as always. I have a 66 Yellow Boy Carbine in 38 Special Only. Uberti made, Navy Arms imported. Absolutely love it

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

They seem to be really nice rifles. Thanks for watching!

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

What a beauty. I love the looks of the 66. One day i would love to get a original. great video

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I was looking on line for some original ones, wow they can be pricey!

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

@SmallCaliberArmsReview yeah they are. And 99% are in 44 Henry rimfire. So it would be a pain in the butt the get or make ammo. I have seen 1 that was converted to 44-40.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@snappers_antique_firearms If I ever hit the lottery, I plan on making some of that old obsolete ammo, even if it's only a few thousand rounds per year. Of course, I have to play the lottery to even have a chance!

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

@SmallCaliberArmsReview lol me to. Thinking about it. I think if someone makes a small company just to manufacture Antique rimfire ammunition. And blackpowder center fire ammunition of the more and less common Calibers would probably be a successful company.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I imagine liability insurance would be a must, and it'd be expensive!

[@squiblift2019]

Great video. History, offhand shooting, and a brass catching hat.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I wondered what the actual purpose of that rolled brim was! Thanks for watching Squib!

[@usnchief1339]

I have yet to shoot my Winchester 1866 in 45 Colt. Except for the wood, I still think the Uberti version is nicer when it comes to looking like the originals. I will be getting one of those in 45 Colt.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I like them a lot. Thanks for watching!

[@Cucurú-c9v]

Wait until the barrel bulges. No replacements made by Miroku. A guy stated this, and also says he now has a nice wall hanger. I wanted one for my daughter, but may just go for an Uberti 66.

[@usnchief1339]

@@Cucurú-c9v Bulge most likely due to a bad reload. Any barrel would bulge.

[@Cucurú-c9v]

That's why I'm debating between Miroku 73 and Uberti 73. Most likely in .38/357 so she can speed shoot. Her normal gun is a Delta Elite and S&W M-58. At least with the Uberti a replacement barrel is available.​@@usnchief1339

[@jlbksinger]

Nice rifle Richard.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks James!

[@mikesacks6731]

My favorite!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

It's a nice one! Thanks for watching!

[@bluescatreimer]

Good to see you back Richard, beautiful straight shootin rifle.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks!

[@bluescatreimer]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview Your welcome!

[@callawayken650]

The saloon looks really nice.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thank you!

[@mikethomas5412]

Absolutely gorgeous rifle. Good video!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I think so too! Thanks for watching!

[@REB-forever]

Nice rifle.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thank you!

[@JimE6243]

Great looking piece of hardware Richard. Those first five shots made me go "WOW!" JimE

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

You and me both!

[@R32R38]

Nice looking rifle.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thank you!

[@dorisjohnson8857]

Very nice video and rifle. There was a smiley face there, but it was at your end of the range😄Don't think I could have gone through the pandemic aching to shoot that Yellow boy. That would have been masochism of the 1st deree☹

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Lol. I never slowed down during the pandemic. I worked every day just like normal, there was just a lot less traffic on the roads. I have a few others that I've had even longer that haven't had a round put in them yet. Those videos will be coming soon....I hope! Thanks for watching!

[@BigRooster616]

Good Review ! I love my 66 . You should do the a video of all three 60,66,73 all together if you have them .

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Sadly I don't have all three.....yet. I keep looking though!

[@paulkopacz5051]

I have the same rifle in .45 Colt, the only difference is mine has a ladder rear sight which I like. I bought it used a few years ago and I have to say it is smooth operating. One thing to look out for is the tab on the loading gate (inside the receiver on the underside of the gate). It is literally a small bend of metal that holds the rounds in the magazine tube and it reportedly likes to bend back and or break. I have seen vids of fixes for it by building up some JB Weld behind the tab or even silver soldering it in place. I have yet to take mine apart to see it it has the fix already done or not.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I have heard of those issues before. Thanks for watching!

[@Master...deBater]

The best fix is to buy an aftermarket loading gate. I bought a deep groove loading gate from Track of the Wolf some years back that is a copy of the originals. The originals didn't have the shallow groove and tab. Instead the groove was deeper so the base of the case is stopped by the front of the gate instead of a tab on the back. Track doesn't sell them anymore but I've heard that VTI may still have them (might want to call, they don't have pictures). I bought mine more for the sake of historical accuracy than issues with the tab. I had been inspecting several originals at a gun show...and noticed that all the gates were much deeper. To the point that I could almost stick my pinky finger into the hole without moving the gate. Anyway...hope this helps.

[@charlescomly1]

Love the Yellow boy, big improvement over the Henry, I would prefer it over the Henry any day. Thanks for your work.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I'd like to have both. I really want an 1873, it has a few improvements over the 1866. Thank you for watching!

[@jnw60]

I had the follower slam on a cartridge on a Henry reproduction once while drawing in from a scabbard. Set off about 10 rounds. Luckily it was at a reenactment and was loaded with blanks. Bulged the mag tube pretty bad but managed to fix it by inserting a dowel and using a rubber mallet to tap back in place

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Wow! Good thing it was just blanks! There are people that say that it could never happen and I'm crazy for even bringing it up. You know the truth. Glad you're okay. Thanks for watching!

[@dorisjohnson8857]

Ian from forgotten weapons also had a Henry magazine slam fire and got shrapnel in his chest! DJ@@SmallCaliberArmsReview

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@dorisjohnson8857 I think I watched the video of him talking about that.

[@michaelhayes7471]

I was just looking at one of those last night at Taylors

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Must be a sign!

[@BlackPowderBill]

Earlier this year I sold a new in the box Uberti 1866/1966 mfg. 22 long rifle

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

That sounds like it could be a lot of fun! Wish I'd known about it.

[@RIPPER334]

Man... Where you been. Geeez. I've been waiting on a new video for weeks!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Sorry! I've been working on some projects that I have put off for a long time and some videos for my other channel. My wife won't let me clone myself, so I have to take turns!

[@jasonkoestner4630]

Got one with colocaseharden lever in 357 with 24 inch octagon barrel

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Very nice!

[@GojkoTomic-st5jv]

very nice video!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thank you!

[@loupuleff571]

use a wood dowel to push them in that way you won't damage the lead bullets. I really want one of those only in .22lr !

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

It doesn't take a lot of effort to push the rounds in the loading gate, especially if you line them up correctly. I don't always have a wooden dowl with me, but I always have a round with me. Well, at least until I'm down to the last one! Thanks for watching!

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Oh, man! How did I not see this video before?!? I’ve been considering something like this to balance out all the revolvers I show and shoot. These are gorgeous!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Balance is important!

[@StevenMMan]

OK ok I guess I got to do this one at a time. See my shorter video where I addressed the proper way to shoot a cresent moon stocked rifle. I think it even titled cresent moon

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I looked, didn't see it.

[@Stuingtion]

I'd love to get one of these rifles so badly. But this leads me to ask, have you ever thought of making a leather carry strap rig for one of these?

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I have made a rifle sling before, but no video of it. I really don't want to drill any holes in the stocks for sling studs. They do make some that wrap or "lace" around the buttstocks, I just haven't tried to make one yet. Maybe someday.

[@alligatorhorse]

I saw a reproduction Henry discharge when the owner let the follower slip on a 44-40 cartridge. I don't think this was as much of an issue with the original Henry as it used a rimfire cartridge, and the bullets were more of a conical shape.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Ian from Forgotten Weapons had to make a trip to the hospital for that issue. Yes, not as much of an issue with rimfire. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching too!

[@mrthfury6727]

YEAH cool

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks!

[@user-ie1vs7wi3i]

Had a Centennial 66 made in 69 sweet shooting gun. Cheapest goes for 700.00

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Very nice! Thanks for watching!

[@k4vms]

I purchased 2 of these about 20 years ago manufactured by Uberti. Are you going to put a tang sight on your ? Ricky from IBM

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Probably not on this one, but I've been keeping my eyes peeled for just the right 1873 rifle.

[@brucevaughn2886]

Great looking yellow boy!!! Excellent shooting. What distance to targets?

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

At the "Saloon", my targets are set up at 10 and 15 yards. Not real impressive distances, but typical for "Cowboy Action Shooting". I usually just do handguns there. Thanks for watching!

[@geovanikuchnir1793]

Agrupou muito bem.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Obrigado! Obrigado por assistir também!

[@WV591]

too bad they don't make the 24 inch octagonal in 357/38

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

The .45 is a lot of fun.

[@Master...deBater]

Other than the fact that 44-40 was chambered in the 1873...I don't think they're any more authentic than 45 Colt. 44 Henry has a couple of similarities with 45 Colt that it doesn't share with 44-40. Firstly...44 Henry was a straight wall cartridge like 45 Colt. Secondly...the 44 Henry used a .446 diameter bullet which is much closer to 45 Colt (.452) than it is to the 44-40 (.429). I noticed this while inspecting original 66 and 73 bores at a gun show. The 66s had bores which were closer to the diameter of a 45 Colt revolver than the 73 Winchesters...and you can definitely see the difference. Other than being called a 44 and shooting 200gr bullets...the 44-40 has nothing in common with the original 44 Henry cartridge. 44spl is probably the closest cartridge to the 44 Henry that's still in production. It is a straight wall cartridge...but the bullet is still in the much smaller .429 diameter. I just reload my 45 Colt cartridges with 200gr bullets and middle powder charges if I want to duplicate 44 Henry performance. The over the counter 200gr 45 Colt cowboy loads at about 750 fps from a 7.5" revolver would be an almost perfect match to the ballistics of the original 44 Henry black powder load...plus I can shoot them in 4 of my other revolvers. So taken in toto...I think the 45 Colt 200gr cowboy loads are the most authentic cartridges for the 66 Winchester reproductions available on the market!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I love the 45 Colt, tons of fun and an easy round to reload. I did purchase one revolver in 44-40 and found it too, is an extremely fun round. I'm looking at buying a Cimarron 1873 and I'm torn between the 44-40 and the 45 Colt. I like the thought of the 44-40 being the original caliber and I love shooting it, but the 45 Colt has several more advantages. I may just flip a coin to see which one I get! Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

[@Master...deBater]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview Yeah...with an 1873 I'd definitely go with the original 44-40...especially if you have a companion revolver in the same chambering. You already have a 44-40 revolver...just explain to your wife that it needs a mate...I'm sure she'll agree!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

@@Master...deBater fortunately, I have a great wife!

[@tomslongguns443]

Would you take it deer hunting ?

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

It's absolutely capable of taking deer, and legal for deer hunting in Ohio. But to answer your question, no. It would ruin my hunting trip if I somehow damaged it during my outing. I do have others that are designed for deer hunting and made of materials that are more forgiving when abused and neglected. It wouldn't bother me a bit if I put a big old gouge in the side of a polymer buttstock or scuffed up some ceracoat on a barrel. If I were to slide that 1866 across a nasty old jagged rock or drop it from a tree stand, I would be devastated! This one is just so I can play Cowboy and admire the craftsmanship that went into making these works of art. Thanks for watching!

[@tomslongguns443]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview thanks for the reply . I was just wondering if it was capable of taking a deer . I've been thinking about getting one in that model or maybe the 1873 model .

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Check your local regulations, some states have specific requirements for caliber, capacity and energy. Ohio is a straight wall cartridge and .357 or larger state, and I believe only 3 round capacity.

[@jimmyvalhalla1939]

The original Winchester's were not Brass. I'm hoping these reproductions aren't either.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

The originals were technically made of a "Bronze" like alloy that Winchester called "Gunmetal". There are something like 500 different alloys with the generic name "Brass" in the USA. I don't know what particular alloy is used by either Winchester or Uberti, but I'm pretty sure they can handle the loads of the rounds they are chambered in. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

[@tbcoachniblick1208]

When. Shooting steel targets, why can't you "Experts" take just a little bit of time and Re Paint the steel surface... only takes a couple of seconds to show bullet impact to viewer.. when it has already been struck 20 to 30 times and you try to show impact, it is very difficult to determine impact hits...wth...???.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Not sure who the expert you are referring to is, but it's not me! I kept a can out in the saloon for a long time and the changes in the weather rendered it inoperable. Every time I would go out to shoot a video, I would forget to bring a new one back with me. I have painted it a time or two since doing this video, but to be honest, I'm happy with just hearing it ring sometimes. I get it though, it's nice to see if I'm actually doing a decent group or their just hitting all over the place. I'll try to do better in the future, but no promises! Thanks for watching!