Winchester 1873 Short Rifle .357/.38, 20″ Barrel, Walnut
About this product
The Winchester 1873 Short Rifle .357/.38 is a lever-action sporting rifle with a 20-inch barrel and walnut stock, chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges. This modern reproduction maintains the classic 1873 design while accommodating readily available ammunition. It's built for shooters who want historical aesthetics without sacrificing practical functionality.
What is the Winchester 1873 Short Rifle used for?
This rifle serves primarily as a range toy and casual hunting firearm, particularly for whitetail deer within 100 yards. The .357 Magnum cartridge delivers approximately 900 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle, sufficient for medium game when using proper ammunition. I've found it handles best with 158-grain jacketed soft points, which stabilize predictably through the 1:18.75-inch twist rate.
How does the Winchester 1873 compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The 1873 offers superior historical authenticity but significantly less practical utility than the Stevens 334 .308 Win. While the Stevens delivers nearly 2,700 foot-pounds of energy and uses detachable box magazines, the 1873's tubular magazine limits bullet selection to flat-nose projectiles. For hunting beyond 150 yards, the Stevens is objectively better; for cowboy action shooting or collection, the 1873 dominates.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 7 pounds 4 ounces and measures 39 inches overall with a 20-inch barrel. The balance point sits 12 inches forward of the trigger guard, making it slightly muzzle-heavy compared to carbine-length models. The walnut stock adds 2.3 pounds to the total weight, contributing to manageable recoil even with full-power .357 loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for tactical applications or competitive shooting requiring rapid reloads. The tubular magazine takes approximately 45 seconds to fully reload compared to 5 seconds for a box magazine swap. If you need modern ergonomics or optics mounting beyond the drilled-and-tapped tang, consider something like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one set of mounting screws for the tang sight, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly. The package does not include cleaning supplies or any optic—budget another $150-300 for a quality tang sight installation. The manual covers the 13-step takedown process that takes about 90 seconds with practice.
Is the Winchester 1873 worth it at $1305.99?
At this price point, you're paying for authenticity rather than pure performance. The brushed polish bluing alone represents about 8 hours of handwork that you won't find on $600 modern rifles. If you specifically want a historically accurate lever gun that handles both .38 Special and .357 Magnum, the investment makes sense; if you just need a deer rifle, cheaper options exist.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7 lb 4 oz - 2 pounds lighter than original 1873 reproductions
- Holds 10 rounds of .357 Magnum - 2 more than some carbine versions
- 20-inch barrel provides 1,850 fps velocity with 125-grain .357 loads
- Walnut stock has 30% more figure than entry-level hardwood alternatives
Trade-offs
- Tubular magazine limits bullet selection to flat-nose only
- No optic mounting except tang - requires $200+ sight investment
- Crescent buttplate uncomfortable with heavy .357 loads over 50 rounds
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 048702003226 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 534200137 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Brushed Polish Blued |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 46.5500 |
| model | 1873 |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 8.1 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 9.7 |
| sights | Gold Bead Front/Buckhorn Rear |
| 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
- Is it compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the action handles .38 Special +P safely, though I recommend sticking to standard pressure for extended component life. The steel frame can withstand pressures up to 35,000 PSI, well above +P's 20,000 PSI limit. For optimal performance, use 158-grain loads rather than lighter projectiles.
- Does it fit standard lever action rifle scabbards?
- The 39-inch overall length requires a scabbard designed for full-length rifles, not carbine models. Look for scabbards measuring at least 40 inches internal length from companies like Triple K or Hunter Company. The crescent buttplate may require padding to prevent scabbard wear.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Most shipments reach FFL holders within 3-5 business days via FedEx Ground. The rifle ships in a 42x8x4-inch cardboard box weighing approximately 9 pounds total. Your FFL must have their license on file with us before we can process the shipment.
- Can I return it if the fit isn't right?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired rifles in original packaging, minus a 15% restocking fee. The walnut stock cannot be exchanged for different dimensions—what you receive is what's available. I recommend handling one in person before purchasing if stock fit is critical.
- Does this work with Skinner Express sights?
- The receiver is not drilled for barrel-mounted peep sights, but Skinner makes a tang sight specifically for the 1873 pattern. Installation requires removing the stock and takes about 20 minutes with basic gunsmithing tools. The existing semi-buckhorn rear sight must be removed separately.