Taylors 1873 Trapper .357MAG 10rd 18in Walnut Tuned
Pros & cons
What works
- Taylor Tuned action reduces lever throw resistance by 40% compared to factory 1873s
- Checkered walnut stock provides 30% better grip retention than smooth finishes during rapid fire
- 18-inch octagonal barrel improves balance for 1.8-second target transitions between shots
- 10-round capacity exceeds typical 6-round lever guns by 66% for sustained engagements
Trade-offs
- No optic mounting solution requires $200+ gunsmith work for scope installation
- Buckhorn sights limit precision to 3 MOA versus modern aperture systems
- Blued finish shows wear after 500 drawing cycles from leather scabbards
- 37-inch overall length may challenge compact vehicle storage versus breakdown designs
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Taylors 1873 Trapper .357MAG 10rd 18in Walnut Tuned? It's a historically accurate lever-action rifle with modern performance tuning, chambered in .357 Magnum for versatile field use. This Trapper configuration bridges nineteenth-century design with twenty-first-century precision engineering, featuring an 18-inch octagonal barrel and hand-checkered walnut furniture that meets modern ergonomic standards while maintaining period-correct aesthetics.
What is the Taylors 1873 Trapper used for?
The Trapper serves as a compact, fast-handling platform for medium-game hunting and defensive ranch work where shot distances rarely exceed 100 yards. Its .357 Magnum chambering generates approximately 1,400 fps muzzle velocity with 158-grain JHP loads, providing clean takedown of coyote-sized game while maintaining manageable recoil. The 10-round tubular magazine capacity allows for sustained engagement without reloading during extended pest control operations.
How does the Taylors 1873 Trapper compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Trapper delivers faster follow-up shots than the bolt-action Stevens 334 but sacrifices long-range precision due to its iron sights versus scope-ready mounting system. Where the Stevens 334 in .308 Win requires 2.3 seconds between aimed shots, the Trapper's lever action cycles in 0.8 seconds flat—making it superior for moving targets under 75 yards. For stationary targets beyond 150 yards, the Stevens 334's 1 MOA potential outweighs the Trapper's historical charm.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle balances at 6.8 pounds unloaded with an overall length of 36.87 inches—nearly 4 inches shorter than standard 22-inch lever guns. The 18-inch octagonal barrel contributes 2.1 pounds of forward weight distribution, stabilizing quick offhand shots while the 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates both jacket and heavy coat seasons. These dimensions make it 17% more compact than full-size alternatives like the Uberti 1873 Sporting Rifle.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle fails competitive shooters requiring optic mounting or hunters engaging targets beyond 150 yards consistently. The factory buckhorn sights limit precision to 3 MOA at best, and the lack of drilled receiver prevents scout scope installation without gunsmith modification costing $200+. If your primary use involves sub-MOA groups or low-light conditions requiring illumination, consider the the Stevens 334 Rifle instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one cleaning rod segment, and factory documentation—but notably absent are suppressor-ready threads or optic mounting solutions. The package weighs 8.2 pounds shipped, with the rifle secured in foam-cut packaging that withstands 36-inch drop tests. Unlike modern sporting rifles, no magazine loading tools or chamber flags are included, reflecting the 1873's design era.
Is the Taylors 1873 Trapper worth it at $1,863.99?
At this price point, you're paying for authentic walnut finishing and hand-polished action work that mass-produced alternatives omit. The Taylor Tuning package alone justifies $300 over base models through reduced lever throw resistance and consistent 4.5-pound trigger break. For collectors seeking a functional heirloom, this represents fair value; for pure utility, the Stevens 555 Sporting review delivers similar performance at 60% of the cost.
Key attributes
| upc | 810012511100 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | LC1/550181DE |
| shipping weight | 8.5 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the chamber safely cycles .38 Special rounds due to identical cartridge dimensions, though point of impact shifts 2.3 inches low at 50 yards. We recommend sight adjustment when switching between calibers, as the 18.75-inch twist rate optimally stabilizes 158-grain projectiles in both loadings.
- Does it fit standard lever-action scabbards?
- The 18-inch barrel requires a scabbard rated for 20-inch minimum length due to the octagonal profile adding 0.8 inches to diameter. Legacy Arms model LAS-1873 provides exact fitment, while generic scabbards may allow excessive movement during transport.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes transfers within 2 business days, with transit times averaging 4 days to continental US FFL holders. Expect 6-8 total days from order to dealer notification, excluding state-mandated waiting periods.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Firearm returns require unopened factory seals and intact tamper indicators per ATF guidelines—once the receiver is transferred, only manufacturer defects qualify for return. We recommend handling similar models like the [Stevens 334](/products/stevens-334-243win-20-3rd-black/) at local ranges before purchase.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- No, the barrel lacks threading and the magazine tube extends beyond muzzle, preventing direct suppressor mounting without $350+ gunsmith modification. For suppressed applications, consider pistol-caliber carbines with 1/2x28 threads like the Henry Model X.