The Taylor's & Co. 1866 is a lever-action rifle chambered in .45 Colt with a 20-inch octagonal barrel, walnut stock, and brass receiver with blue finish. It's a faithful reproduction of the 1866 Winchester design, built for shooters who want a functional rifle with period-correct aesthetics. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 1866 
• Caliber: .45 Colt (LC) 
• Action: Lever Action 
• Capacity: 10+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Overall Length: 39 inches 
• Weight: 7.90 lbs 
• Finish: Blue with Brass accents 
• Sights: Blade Front & Buckhorn Rear 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The octagonal barrel is the defining visual element and provides a solid shooting platform. The lever action cycles smoothly and allows quick follow-up shots. The standard trigger has a clean pull that works well for both target shooting and field use. 
 
The blade front and buckhorn rear sights are practical for open-country shooting and work across a range of lighting conditions without the need for optics. The walnut stock is well-fitted and holds up to field handling. At 7.90 lbs the rifle is substantial but not difficult to carry. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

1. Hunting - The .45 Colt has adequate energy for deer and similar game at moderate distances, and the 10+1 capacity gives you follow-up shots without reloading. 
2. Sport Shooting / Cowboy Action - The 1866 configuration is a natural fit for SASS and similar period-correct competition formats. 
3. Collecting - The brass receiver and walnut stock reproduce the original 1866 appearance closely, making it appealing to collectors alongside shooters.

Owners of the Taylor's 1866 in .45 Colt with the octagon barrel tend to focus on a consistent set of points.

The aesthetics draw most of the admiration. The walnut and brass combination looks exactly like what it's meant to be, and the craftsmanship on the woodwork and metal finish gets genuine praise rather than the generic compliments you'd expect. Collectors and period-correct shooting enthusiasts both respond well to it.

Action feel is a recurring positive. The lever cycles smoothly and the .45 Colt loads the rifle handles well span a useful range from light target rounds to field-capable hunting loads. Most owners say it's intuitive to run.

Weight and balance come up in both directions. At 7.90 lbs it's stable when shooting, but a few hunters who carry it for extended periods note that the heft adds up over a long day in the field.

Recoil management is mentioned with new shooters in mind. The .45 Colt is manageable for most shooters, but those coming from lighter calibers notice it. Nothing that practice doesn't address.

Overall the rifle draws a straightforward recommendation from most who own it. Buy it if you want a period-correct lever action in .45 Colt that actually shoots well, not just one that looks good on a wall.