The Winchester Model 73 Sporter is a lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special, built on the original Model 73 pattern with Grade II/III walnut stock and a case-hardened frame paired with a polished blue barrel. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Winchester Model 73 Sporter 
• Caliber: .357 Mag / .38 Special 
• Barrel Length: 24 inches 
• Overall Length: 43 inches 
• Capacity: 14 rounds (full-length tubular magazine) 
• Weight: 8 lbs 
• Action Type: Lever Action 
• Finish Type: Case Hardened with Polished Blue Barrel Finish 
• Stock Material: Grade II/III Walnut 
   

Detailed Features 

The barrel has a 1:18.75" twist rate, which stabilizes both .357 Magnum and .38 Special bullets well. Sights are Buckhorn rear and blade front; the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics if you want them. The fixed pistol grip stock is walnut, and the standard trigger pairs with a hammer safety. 
 

Usage 

The .357/.38 caliber combination makes this rifle useful for small to medium game, cowboy action shooting, and range work. The 24-inch barrel at 8 lbs is on the heavier end for a lever gun but helps manage .357 recoil. Shooting .38 Special through it keeps costs down during practice.

Owners of the Winchester 73 Sporter tend to land in a few consistent camps.

Nostalgia runs strong — the Model 73 name carries real Old West history, and Winchester's original 1873 rifle was one of the most widely used repeaters of its era. People who care about that history respond to it.

On looks, the case-hardened frame and walnut stock get consistent praise. It photographs well and holds its own as a display piece.

Performance feedback is generally positive. The lever action is smooth, accuracy is solid, and the ability to run both .357 Magnum and .38 Special out of the same gun is a practical advantage — lighter .38 loads for practice, full-power .357 when it matters.

Ergonomics are mixed. Some shooters love the balance and feel. Others find the 8 lb weight heavier than expected for a rifle this size, and a few prefer different stock configurations.

Price comes up regularly. It costs more than comparable lever guns from other makers, and opinions split between those who consider the Winchester name and build quality worth it and those who think the premium is hard to justify against newer alternatives.

Collectibility is a real factor for some buyers — condition and provenance matter here, and there's an active secondary market for these.