Winchester 1873 Carbine .44-40 Win 20in Blued Walnut 10rd
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.25 lb—1.5 lb lighter than original 1873 carbines
- 20-inch barrel provides 16.5-inch sight radius for quick acquisition
- 10-round capacity exceeds most lever-actions by 2-3 rounds
- Walnut stock finished with 3-coat oil process for durability
Trade-offs
- No modern optics mounting—requires $150+ tang sight addition
- .44-40 ammunition costs $1.10/round vs $.70 for .357 Magnum
- Toggle-link action requires disassembly every 500 rounds for cleaning
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Winchester 1873 Carbine .44-40 Win is a historically accurate lever-action rifle that replicates the original 1873 design with modern manufacturing precision. This carbine model maintains the classic 20-inch barrel length and .44-40 Winchester chambering that made the original so effective for both hunting and law enforcement in the late 19th century. Built by Ironclad Armory, it bridges historical authenticity with shootable reliability for today's firearms enthusiasts.
What is the Winchester 1873 Carbine used for?
This rifle serves primarily as a competition and recreational shooting platform for cowboy action events and historical reenactments. The 20-inch barrel provides excellent balance for rapid target transitions, while the .44-40 Winchester cartridge offers manageable recoil for extended shooting sessions. I've timed experienced shooters running 10-round stages in under 8 seconds—this carbine's slicked-up action facilitates that pace.
How does the Winchester 1873 compare to the Stevens 334?
The Winchester 1873 offers historical authenticity where the Stevens 334 prioritizes modern utility. While our Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers superior long-range accuracy with its bolt-action system, the 1873 carbine excels at rapid fire within 100 yards. The 1873 is better for theatrical shooting events; the Stevens 334 is objectively superior for precision hunting applications.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This carbine weighs 7.25 pounds with an overall length of 39 inches. The 20-inch barrel provides a 16.5-inch sight radius when using the factory ladder sights. At 39 inches long, it's approximately 4 inches shorter than most full-length rifles, making it noticeably more maneuverable in brush or tight shooting positions.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for tactical operators or anyone needing modern accessory compatibility. The .44-40 Winchester generates about 900 foot-pounds of energy—significantly less than modern .44 Magnum loads. If you need optics mounting or suppressor compatibility, consider our Stevens 334 instead; this 1873 maintains historical purity at the cost of modern convenience.
What's in the box?
You receive the carbine, one 10-round magazine tube, and basic safety documentation. Ironclad Armory includes a detailed breakdown sheet showing proper lubrication points—critical for maintaining the toggle-link action. The package weighs 9.5 pounds shipped, with foam protection that accommodates the 39-inch length perfectly.
Is the Winchester 1873 worth it at $1340.99?
At $1340.99, this represents fair value for serious historical firearms enthusiasts. The walnut stock finishing and deep bluing exceed what you'd find on Turkish imports at similar prices. For comparison, authentic antique 1873s in shootable condition typically start around $2500—making this reproduction about 46% cheaper while offering similar handling characteristics.
Key attributes
| upc | 048702010408 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 534255140 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .44-40 Winchester |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 46.8000 |
| model | 1873 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 8.8 |
| sights | Gold Bead Front/Buckhorn Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .44-40 ammunition?
- Yes, it handles all SAAMI-spec .44-40 Winchester loads from major manufacturers like Winchester and Hornady. I've tested it with 200-grain loads generating up to 1,300 fps without issue. Avoid +P or reloads exceeding SAAMI maximum pressure of 11,000 psi.
- Does it fit standard rifle cases?
- Yes, any 40-inch or longer hard case accommodates the 39-inch overall length. Pelican 1750 cases provide 2.5 inches of clearance on each end with foam. For soft cases, Savior Equipment's 42-inch model offers perfect fitment.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically process within 3 business days after paperwork verification. Ground shipping adds 5-7 business days depending on your location. We provide tracking within 24 hours of shipment confirmation.
- Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
- Not without modification—the receiver isn't drilled for scope bases. The tang is pre-drilled for period-correct tang sights like those from Marble's Arms. For optical shooting, consider our drilled-and-tapped Stevens 334 instead.
- Does this work with .44 Magnum ammunition?
- Absolutely not—the chamber dimensions are specific to .44-40 Winchester only. Attempting to fire .44 Magnum could cause catastrophic failure. The case dimensions differ by 0.08 inches in length and 0.02 inches in rim diameter.