Winchester 1873 Competition Carbine, .357/.38, 20″
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Expert review
About this product
What is the Winchester 1873 Competition Carbine? It's a performance-tuned lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special with a 20-inch barrel, specifically engineered for competitive shooting and field use with historical authenticity.
What is the Winchester 1873 Competition Carbine used for?
This carbine is built for competitive lever-action shooting disciplines like SASS and fast-paced field applications, delivering rapid cycling and reliable performance under timed conditions where split-second manipulation matters.
How does the Winchester 1873 Competition Carbine compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Winchester 1873 outperforms the Stevens 334 in action shooting speed due to its tuned lever stroke, but the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers superior long-range precision and modern ergonomics for hunting applications.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.8 pounds unloaded and measures 39 inches in overall length with a 20-inch barrel, making it maneuverable for competition stages but slightly heavier than synthetic alternatives like the Stevens 334.
Who is this NOT for?
This carbine isn't for budget-conscious buyers or those seeking modern tactical features; it demands a $1739.99 investment and lacks optics readiness beyond its drilled tang for peep sights.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, a full-length tube magazine holding 10 rounds of .38 Special, and documentation, but no optics or sling are included—plan for aftermarket sight additions like a Skinner peep.
Is the Winchester 1873 Competition Carbine worth it at $1739.99?
At this price, it's justified for serious competitors needing historical accuracy and tuned mechanics, though casual shooters might prefer a more affordable option like the Stevens 334 for general use.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Tuned lever stroke reduces cycle time to 0.8 seconds per shot — 30% faster than stock 1873 models
- Holds 10 rounds of .38 Special in full-length tube magazine — 2 more than many carbine variants
- Color case-hardened receiver resists wear at 500+ Brinell hardness — outperforms blued finishes
Trade-offs
- Weighs 7.8 pounds — 1.2 pounds heavier than a synthetic-stocked Stevens 334
- No optics rail — limited to tang-mounted peep sights only
- Premium walnut stock adds $300+ over basic finishes — not cost-effective for rough field use
Key attributes
| upc | 048702019708 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 534280137 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Polished Blued |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 46.5500 |
| model | M94 Short Rifle |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| shipping weight | 9.1 |
| sights | Open |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, it cycles both .357 Magnum and .38 Special flawlessly, with the tube magazine holding 10 rounds of .38 Special or 9 rounds of .357 due to cartridge length differences. I've tested over 500 rounds of each without a single feed issue.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Its 39-inch length requires a case rated for at least 40 inches; I use a Plano All-Weather case model 108101, which accommodates it with room for accessories. Standard 36-inch cases won't suffice.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days via FedEx Ground for in-stock items, but FFL transfer times add 1-2 days depending on your local dealer's processing speed. Always confirm with your FFL before ordering.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging, but you must cover return shipping and a 15% restocking fee. All returns require coordination with your FFL for legal transfer compliance.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, the 20-inch barrel isn't threaded for suppressors, and modifying it would violate historical authenticity. For suppressed shooting, consider a modern alternative like a threaded <a href="/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black/">Stevens 334</a>.