The Winchester Model 1873 Short Rifle is a lever-action .45 Colt with a case-hardened finish and a 20-inch sporter profile barrel. The 1873 is a genuine piece of American firearms history, and Winchester's current production version keeps the period-correct look while using modern manufacturing for reliability. 
 

Key Specifications 

• UPC: 048702003875 
• Caliber: .45 COLT (LC) 
• Action: Lever Action 
• Capacity: 10 + 1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Weight: 7.25 lbs. 
• Sights: Semi-Buckhorn Rear with Bead Front (Drilled & Tapped) 
• Barrel Type: Sporter Profile 
• Muzzle Type: Featureless 
• Finish: Case Hardened 
   

Detailed Features 

The lever action cycles smoothly and handles .45 Colt reliably. The 20-inch barrel keeps the overall package compact while the sporter profile maintains decent balance. Semi-buckhorn sights work well across lighting conditions and the receiver is drilled and tapped for those who want to mount optics. The case-hardened finish gives each rifle a slightly unique color pattern and provides corrosion resistance. 
 

Target Audience 

Cowboy action shooters will find this rifle well-suited to competition. Hunters after medium game with a pistol-caliber lever gun will appreciate the .45 Colt chambering, and collectors drawn to the 1873's historical significance have plenty to admire in the case-hardened finish. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Cowboy action shooting competitions 
• Medium game hunting at closer ranges 
• Collecting and range use

The Winchester 1873 .45 Colt generates enthusiastic discussion among lever-action and cowboy action shooting communities.

The historical connection to the original 1873 comes up constantly. Owners who appreciate period-correct aesthetics particularly like the case-hardened finish, noting that the color variation makes each rifle slightly individual. Action smoothness is consistently praised, and feeding reliability with .45 Colt gets positive marks.

Collectors discuss it as a worthwhile piece given the 1873's place in American firearms history. Some owners note it appreciates in value, though most just shoot it.

On the critical side, weight at 7.25 lbs gets mentioned during extended range sessions or competitions. Pricing conversations are mixed: some consider it fair for the quality and heritage, while others compare it unfavorably to more affordable lever guns that don't carry the Winchester name. A minority of users discuss potential sight or sling upgrades, particularly for competition use.