The Winchester Model 1873 Short Rifle is a lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum / .38 Special, with a blued steel receiver, 20" barrel, and a black walnut stock with an oil finish. It holds 10+1 rounds in a tubular magazine and weighs 7.40 lbs at 39" overall. The hammer safety and straight grip are standard. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Winchester 1873 Short Rifle 
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special 
• Action Type: Lever Action 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Overall Length: 39 inches 
• Capacity: 10+1 rounds 
• Weight: 7.40 lbs (118.4 ounces) 
• Safety Mechanism: Hammer safety 
• Grip Type: Standard Straight Grip 
• Sights: Bead Front & Semi-Buckhorn Rear 
• Receiver Material: Steel 
• Stock Material: Black Walnut with Oil Finish 
• Metal Finish: Blued 
• Barrel Twist Rate: 1:18.75" 
   

Detailed Features 

The steel receiver is blued, which provides corrosion protection and suits the rifle's traditional profile. The barrel twist rate of 1:18.75" is suited for the range of bullet weights common in .357 Mag and .38 Special. The crowned muzzle helps maintain consistent accuracy. Bead front sight and semi-buckhorn rear facilitate quick target acquisition without the complexity of adjustable target sights. 
 
Being able to chamber both .357 Magnum and .38 Special gives the shooter flexibility — .38 Special for lighter recoil practice loads, .357 Mag for hunting or self-defense applications. With 10+1 capacity, the 1873 holds significantly more than most lever-action hunting rifles. 
 

Usage 

The 1873 is a practical choice for small-game hunting, target shooting, and general-purpose use where the .357/.38 caliber is sufficient. It's also frequently bought as a companion rifle to a .357 Magnum revolver, since both feed from the same ammunition. At 7.4 lbs it's on the heavier side for its caliber, though that weight contributes to recoil management.

The Winchester 1873 in .357/.38 blued walnut consistently draws appreciation from shooters who care about historical design — the 1873 pattern has an earned reputation, and the modern production version delivers that look with dependable performance. The craftsmanship on the wood and metalwork is regularly called out as a highlight.

Practically, the dual-caliber capability is one of the most discussed features. Running .38 Special for low-cost practice and stepping up to .357 Mag for hunting or serious use is a real advantage. Accuracy and reliability come up consistently in user feedback, particularly for target shooting and small game.

Critiques tend to be preference-based rather than quality complaints. Some users note the 7.4 lb weight feels heavy for the caliber during extended carry. Others point out that the 10+1 tubular magazine is adequate but the rifle isn't well-suited for rapid-fire scenarios. A few shooters find the solid feel of the rifle more appropriate for a collection or occasional use than as a daily working gun.