The Winchester Model 1873 Sporter in .44-40 Winchester is a 24-inch lever-action rifle with a full-length tubular magazine holding 13 rounds. The color case-hardened receiver and polished blue barrel are the same finish combination as the .45 Colt sporter, but the .44-40 caliber is the original chambering the 1873 was designed around. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 1873 Sporter 
• Caliber: .44-40 Winchester 
• Action: Lever Action 
• Barrel Length: 24 inches 
• Overall Length: 43 inches 
• Capacity: 13 rounds (full-length tubular magazine) 
• Weight: 7.50 lbs 
• Finish: Polished Blue with Color Case Hardened Receiver 
• Stock Material: Grade II/III Walnut with Straight Grip 
• Sights: Gold Bead Front & Buckhorn Rear 
   

Detailed Features 

Gold bead front and buckhorn rear sights. Grade II/III walnut straight-grip stock. The 13-round capacity is the sporter advantage over the shorter carbine. Lever action cycles smoothly. 
 

Usage 

The .44-40 is less commonly available than .45 Colt or .357 Mag, which is worth factoring into the purchase decision. For cowboy action shooters who specifically shoot .44-40 to stay period-correct with their revolvers, this is the appropriate choice. Hunting use is similar to other pistol-caliber lever guns, small to medium game at moderate distances.

The Winchester 1873 Sporter in .44-40 draws a specific kind of buyer: one who appreciates that the .44-40 was the original 1873 cartridge. The historical connection to that original chambering comes up frequently in discussions.

Lever action, fit, and finish get the same positive marks as other 1873 variants. The case-hardened frame and walnut stock are well-regarded, and the action is smooth.

The .44-40 caliber generates real conversation. Ammunition is less common and more expensive than .45 Colt or .357 Mag, which some owners see as a tradeoff worth making for historical authenticity and others see as a practical drawback. Weight is slightly less than the .45 Colt sporter at 7.5 lbs, which a few owners note.

Overall the sentiment is positive among people who specifically want .44-40; buyers who don't have a strong preference for that caliber usually consider the .45 Colt or .357/.38 variants instead.