The Taylor's & Co. 1866 Lever Action Rifle is a .38 Special lever-action with a 20-inch octagonal barrel, brass receiver, and walnut stock. It holds 10+1 rounds and weighs 7.90 lbs. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 1866 
• Caliber: .38 Special 
• Action: Lever Action 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Capacity: 10+1 rounds 
• Trigger Type: Standard 
• Overall Length (OAL): 39 inches 
• Weight: 7.90 lbs 
• Stock Material: Walnut 
• Receiver Material: Brass 
• Sights: Blade Front & Adjustable Rear 
• Finish Color: Brown/Walnut 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The brass receiver is the visual centerpiece. It contrasts with the blued barrel and creates the historically accurate appearance of an original 1866 Winchester. The octagonal barrel design reduces vibration during firing compared to a round profile of the same length. The blued finish on the barrel protects against corrosion. 
 
The adjustable rear sight paired with a blade front lets you tune for elevation at different distances. At 7.90 lbs the rifle is on the heavier side for a .38 Special lever-action, which helps manage what little recoil the caliber produces. The 10+1 capacity is good for a tubular-magazine rifle. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

 
Cowboy action shooting and sport shooting are the primary competitive uses. The .38 Special caliber is well-represented in those events. Small game hunting and target practice are practical field uses. As a reproduction 1866 with brass receiver and walnut stock, it also functions as a display piece.

The 1866 Heritage .38 SPL draws consistent praise for aesthetics. The walnut stock and brass receiver combination is well-regarded as an accurate and attractive reproduction. Most owners find the lever action smooth and describe the shooting experience as enjoyable.

For .38 Special recoil is minimal, which makes the rifle comfortable for extended shooting sessions and accessible for new shooters. Accuracy at typical sport shooting and hunting distances is described as satisfactory.

Price discussions come up regularly. Some buyers consider it high for a reproduction, while others feel the craftsmanship justifies it. Some users note interest in aftermarket sight upgrades. Reliability feedback is generally positive when the rifle is properly maintained.

The community around this model tends to discuss historical context alongside practical use, and ownership of a historically-styled lever-action carries a sentimental dimension for many buyers.