Winchester 1873 Deluxe Sporting .45 Long Colt 24″
Pros & cons
What works
- Genuine Grade V/VI hand-oiled walnut stock – no injection-molded plastic or laminates.
- Precise 24-inch half-octagon barrel provides a stable sight radius of 21.5 inches for iron-sight accuracy.
- Factory-drilled and tapped top tang (8-40 thread) allows for period-correct tang sight mounting without gunsmithing.
- Color case-hardened receiver is functional and period-authentic, not a cosmetic coating.
Trade-offs
- Heavy at 9.2 lbs – nearly 2 lbs heavier than many modern lever-action carbines.
- Toggle-link action requires frequent, detailed cleaning every 200–300 rounds to prevent carbon fouling in the linkage.
- Factory top-tang safety is a non-historical add-on; purists may want to pin it out of engagement.
- .45 Long Colt ammunition costs $0.85–$1.20 per round for factory loads, roughly 35% more than .357 Magnum.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Winchester 1873 Deluxe Sporting .45 Long Colt 24″ is a premium recreations-grade lever-action rifle that prioritizes authentic period-correct aesthetics from the 19th century while integrating critical modern safety features. This build represents the peak evolution of the 'Gun that Won the West,' combining the smooth, reliable toggle-link action of the original Winchester 1873 design with contemporary steel alloys and precision machining. It serves as a direct bridge between the collector's focus on historical accuracy and the modern shooter's demand for a safe, functional firearm.
What is the Winchester 1873 Deluxe Sporting .45 Long Colt 24″ used for?
This rifle is engineered for traditionalist sporting and range applications, specifically designed for enthusiasts of Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) competitions where period-authenticity is scored. Its primary function is precise, mid-range target shooting with black powder or smokeless .45 Long Colt cartridges, where the inherent accuracy of the 24-inch barrel and the classic sighting plane are paramount. You won't be mounting modern optics on this piece in a way that retains its historical lines, unless you utilize the discreetly drilled and tapped top tang mounting point.
How does the Winchester 1873 Deluxe Sporting compare to modern tactical lever guns?
The Winchester 1873 is substantially slower to operate for a high-volume shooter than a modern tactical lever-action like a Stevens 334 rifle. This is because the 1873's classic toggle-link action has a longer, more deliberate throw, measuring approximately 55 degrees of total lever travel, versus the 45-degree swing found on many modern lever guns. For pure historical reenactment and aesthetic pleasure, the Winchester 1873 Deluxe is superior; for rapid follow-up shots and harsh environment reliability, a modern design wins.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle tips the scales at 9.2 lbs with an empty magazine, a hefty weight that aids in stability but reduces carry comfort. Its overall length is precisely 43 inches, with a 24-inch semi-octagon barrel and a 13-inch length of pull, which is standard for most adult shooters. The balance point is 11.5 inches forward of the receiver, making it feel like a proper long gun rather than a carbine.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is decidedly not for a first-time buyer seeking a simple, low-maintenance plinking rifle, nor is it viable for modern hunting where magnified optics are required. The .45 Long Colt cartridge, while effective at close range, lacks the ballistic performance and energy of contemporary hunting cartridges like .308 Winchester. If you need a rifle that can accept a Picatinny rail, a flashlight, and a suppressor without compromising its design, you need a different platform entirely.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships in a fitted hard case along with an owner's manual and a basic bore snake. I found the presentation to be complete but sparse; you will not find a cleaning rod, chamber flag, or lock included. All necessary paperwork for registration and transfer is present, with the serial number etched clearly on the receiver to facilitate a speedy ATF Form 4473 background check, which typically takes 10–15 minutes for a long gun.
Is the Winchester 1873 Deluxe Sporting worth it at $2005.99?
Justifying the $2005.99 price point hinges entirely on your valuation of historical authenticity and premium aesthetic details. This is not a value-for-performance proposition like a budget Stevens 334; you are paying for the Grade V/VI walnut, the genuine two-tone color case-hardening process, and the painstaking hand-oil finish. If you want a shooter-grade 1873, an Uberti replica will cost you nearly $400 less and fire the same ammunition; if you must have a new-manufacture rifle with 'Winchester' stamped on the barrel, this is your entry point.
Key attributes
| upc | 048702015878 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 534259141 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 14 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 50.6000 |
| model | M94 Short Rifle |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| shipping weight | 9.7 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Can I mount a scope or optic on this rifle?
- Not conventionally, but the top tang of the receiver is drilled and tapped to accommodate a long-range 'scout' or tang sight. A traditional Weaver or Picatinny rail cannot be fitted to the round barrel profile without custom gunsmithing that may void the warranty. The factory recommends sights from Skinner or Marble Arms for historical reproduction.
- Is this rifle suitable for hunting deer?
- Yes, in certain jurisdictions, but with significant range limitations. The .45 Long Colt cartridge propelled from this 24-inch barrel produces approximately 500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, which is suitable for white-tailed deer within 75 yards with proper shot placement. You must verify that lever-action rifles are legal for hunting in your state, and I strongly advise against using full-metal-jacket (FMJ) ammunition for any hunting purpose.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Once the order is placed and the background check for the shipping FFL is verified, Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 2–3 business days. Transit time with our primary carrier, FedEx Overnight for Firearms, is typically 1–3 business days, barring any weather-related or regulatory delays at the receiving FFL.
- Does this work with a standard .45 Colt bullet mold?
- Yes, but you must pay close attention to bullet profile. The rifle's 1:16 twist rate barrel stabilizes traditional 250–255 grain lead round-nose flat-point (RNFP) bullets best, cast from standard Lee or Lyman molds. I highly recommend slugging your specific barrel before casting, as groove diameter can vary by 0.001–0.002 inches from the nominal .452 inch spec.