Taylors & Company 1873 Rifle .45 Long Colt 20″ Walnut
About this product
The Taylors & Company 1873 Rifle .45 Long Colt 20″ Walnut is a heritage-style lever-action rifle that replicates the mechanical reliability of the original Winchester 1873 design while incorporating modern manufacturing tolerances. This isn't a museum piece - it's a functional firearm that delivers the same smooth lever action mechanics that dominated the American West, but with CNC-machined consistency that would have been unimaginable 150 years ago. At $1,847.99, it occupies a specific niche between historical authenticity and modern shootability that few competitors can match.
What is the Taylors & Company 1873 Rifle used for?
This rifle excels in cowboy action shooting competitions, medium-game hunting up to 100 yards, and as a recreational shooter that teaches fundamental marksmanship skills. The .45 Long Colt cartridge generates approximately 950 fps muzzle velocity from the 20-inch barrel, making it suitable for deer and hog hunting within its effective range. I've seen competitors consistently cycle 10-round strings in under 8 seconds during timed events, demonstrating the rifle's reliability under pressure.
How does the Taylors & Company 1873 compare to the Stevens 334?
The 1873 delivers authentic historical operation while the Stevens 334 .308 Win offers modern bolt-action precision and long-range capability. Where the Stevens grouping stays tight at 200+ yards, the 1873's buckhorn sights limit practical accuracy to about 75 yards for most shooters. For hunters needing sub-MOA accuracy, the Stevens 334 is objectively superior, but for historical competitions requiring period-correct firearms, the 1873 is mandatory equipment.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 7.9 pounds with an overall length of 39 inches and a 20-inch octagonal barrel measuring 1.125 inches across the flats. The weight distribution favors muzzle-heavy balance, which aids in offhand shooting stability but requires more upper body strength than modern carbines. The straight walnut stock measures 13.5 inches from trigger to buttplate, accommodating most adult shooters comfortably.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this rifle if you need tactical functionality, optic compatibility, or ammunition affordability. The .45 Long Colt costs approximately $1.10 per round compared to $0.60 for .357 Magnum lever guns, and the buckhorn sights can't mount modern optics. For defensive purposes, a Stevens 555 shotgun provides better stopping power and reload speed at less than half the price.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one 10-round magazine tube, and basic documentation - no cleaning kit or case included. The factory packaging provides adequate protection for shipping but invest in a proper hard case for $75-150 if transporting regularly. I recommend purchasing a .45 caliber cleaning rod and brass jag separately, as the octagonal barrel requires specific diameter tools.
Is the Taylors & Company 1873 worth it at $1,847.99?
At this price point, you're paying for authenticity and the Taylor Tuned action rather than raw performance metrics. Compared to $800 Rossi lever actions, the 1873's hand-polished internals and period-correct machining justify the premium for serious competitors. If budget constraints exist, consider that the rifle will likely appreciate in value if maintained properly, unlike most modern firearms.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Taylor Tuned action reduces lever pull weight to 8 pounds - 3 pounds lighter than factory Rossis
- 10+1 capacity exceeds most modern lever actions while maintaining historical authenticity
- Octagonal barrel adds 14 ounces of forward weight for improved offhand stability
- Hand-polished carrier and lever eliminates the 200-round break-in period required by competitors
Trade-offs
- No optic mounting options limit practical accuracy to 75 yards with iron sights
- .45 Colt ammunition costs $0.50 more per round than .357 Magnum alternatives
- 39-inch overall length makes vehicle transport challenging without disassembly
- Straight-grip stock lacks the ergonomic contour of modern pistol-grip designs
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 810012511377 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550172DE |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 9.15 |
| sights | Buckhorn Rear | Blade Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with modern .45 Colt ammunition?
- Yes, it handles standard pressure .45 Colt rounds up to 14,000 PSI, but avoid +P loads that exceed the original design's pressure limits. I've tested Federal 225 grain lead flat points and Winchester 250 grain cowboy loads without issues. The chamber dimensions accommodate both modern and black powder cartridge dimensions.
- Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
- No, the buckhorn rear sight is milled directly into the barrel and there's no drilled receiver for scope mounts. The 20-inch octagonal barrel profile also prevents most aftermarket sight bases from fitting properly. For optic-ready lever actions, consider a Henry Big Boy with a drilled receiver starting at $950.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Most orders ship within 3 business days via UPS Ground, with transit times of 5-7 days depending on your location. Your FFL dealer must email their license to Ironclad Armory before shipment. I recommend contacting your local dealer first to confirm they accept shipments from online retailers.
- Is the walnut stock finished or raw wood?
- The stock comes with a satin oil finish that provides basic protection but benefits from additional tung oil applications. The wood density measures approximately 0.68 g/cm³, indicating American black walnut rather than cheaper European varieties. For maximum durability in wet conditions, apply two additional coats of Tru-Oil over 48 hours.