The Taylor's & Co. 1873 Taylor Tuned lever-action rifle is chambered in .45 Colt and built on a case-hardened steel receiver with a 20-inch half-octagonal barrel and a walnut stock. It holds 10+1 rounds and weighs 7.90 lbs, which is on the heavier side for a carbine-length lever gun but reflects the steel receiver and full-length magazine tube. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 1873 
• Caliber: .45 Colt (LC) 
• Action: Lever Action 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Overall Length: 39 inches 
• Capacity: 10+1 rounds 
• Weight: 7.90 lbs 
• Stock Material: Walnut with Brown Finish 
• Receiver Material: Case Hardened Steel 
• Sights: Blade Front & Buckhorn Rear 
   

Detailed Features 

The case-hardened receiver has the mottled color pattern characteristic of the heat-treating process, which varies by individual rifle. The half-octagonal barrel gives the rifle a period-correct profile. The lever action cycles smoothly, and the Taylor Tuned designation indicates action work done to reduce creep and improve the cycling feel over the standard production version. The blade front and buckhorn rear sights are traditional open sights; the buckhorn allows quick windage adjustment. The fixed pistol-grip stock and straight grip geometry suit cowboy action shooting competition rules. 
 

Target Audience 

Cowboy action shooters and collectors of Winchester 1873-pattern lever-action rifles are the primary buyers. Hunters who prefer iron-sighted lever guns in .45 Colt for deer or hog hunting at close to moderate ranges will also find this rifle practical. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

Cowboy action shooting is the obvious fit given the caliber, capacity, and Taylor Tuned action work. The .45 Colt cartridge at 20-inch barrel length is adequate for deer hunting in brushy terrain where shots are typically under 100 yards. The iron sights and lever action also work for informal plinking and range sessions.

Owners of the Taylor's 1873 in .45 Colt with a case-hardened finish consistently mention the action and aesthetics as the two main draws.

The case-hardening finish is appreciated for its visual character. Each rifle has a slightly different pattern from the hardening process, which buyers going for a traditional look tend to value.

The Taylor Tuned action work gets positive mentions from cowboy action shooters specifically. The lever cycles cleanly and the trigger reset is crisper than non-tuned versions, which matters when running the action quickly in competition.

.45 Colt receives praise for manageable recoil and versatility in loads, from light target loads to heavier hunting rounds.

Critiques come in two categories: weight and manufacturing variation. At 7.90 lbs, the rifle is heavier than some lever guns in the same class, which some users note on extended range sessions. Fit and finish consistency has drawn occasional comments, with a few buyers noting variation between individual examples.

Overall sentiment is positive among cowboy action shooters and collectors who want a tuned, traditional 1873-pattern rifle in .45 Colt.