There’s a reason the 1873 action is the most replicated lever gun in history. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s a mechanical blueprint for reliability that modern CNC shops still chase. When you pick up this Taylor’s & Company 1873 Carbine, you’re not just holding a replica—you’re handling a platform that defined the American West, now built to modern manufacturing tolerances. The .45 Colt chambering bridges the gap between historical authenticity and practical, available ammunition. The 19″ barrel gives you that classic carbine handling, making it fast on target without the unwieldy length of a full rifle. As someone who has built retail platforms for firearms for over a decade, I see a lot of “reproductions.” This one stands apart because Taylor’s sources from Uberti, a manufacturer known for getting the small details right—the case hardening, the wood-to-metal fit, the timing of the action. It’s a shooter’s gun first, a collector’s piece second.
Miamishooterssupply is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories for the DIY enthusiast and serious shooter. The Taylors and Co 1873 Carbine Walnut .45 Colt 19″ Barrel 10-Rounds is a faithful, high-quality reproduction of the classic Winchester lever-action rifle. Its Uberti-manufactured action and authentic walnut stock set it apart from budget clones. Available now for $1296.89, down from $1440.99.
Reviewed by Cody Ramirez, E-Commerce Director at Miamishooterssupply. 11 years building firearms retail platforms, SEO and conversion specialist.
Last updated: March 2026
What You’re Getting with the Taylor’s 1873 Carbine
Let’s break this down from an armorer’s perspective. The heart of any 1873 is its toggle-link action. This Taylor’s version uses a forged steel frame, not a casting. That matters for long-term durability, especially if you plan to run hotter loads. The 19″ round barrel is button-rifled and crowned correctly, which we’ve verified contributes to consistent accuracy with both cowboy action loads and standard pressure .45 Colt. The walnut stock isn’t just for show; it’s a solid, one-piece American walnut with a straight-grain pattern that’s been oil-finished, not dipped in a thick polyurethane. This means it can be refinished, repaired, and will develop a patina with use.
The action out of the box is typically tight, as it should be. It’s designed to smooth out with use, not arrive sloppy. The sights are the classic semi-buckhorn rear and blade front—authentic and effective for the ranges this cartridge is meant for. From a logistics and compliance angle, the 10-round magazine tube capacity keeps it versatile for range use and hunting regulations in most states. The overall fit and finish, from the color case hardening on the receiver to the bluing on the barrel, is what separates a Taylor’s/Uberti product from an entry-level import.
Taylor’s and Co 1873 Carbine: Pros and Cons
✅ The Advantages:
- Authentic, Proven Action: The toggle-link design is historically correct and mechanically robust when built with quality materials.
- Superior Sourcing: Manufactured by Uberti for Taylor’s, ensuring a higher standard of fit, finish, and metallurgy than generic brands.
- Practical Chambering: .45 Colt is readily available, reloadable, and offers a great balance of power and manageable recoil in a lever gun.
- Ideal Carbine Length: The 19″ barrel provides a quick, balanced swing for off-hand shooting and is easier to maneuver than a 24″ rifle.
- Quality Walnut Stock: Real oil-finished American walnut that can be customized and will age beautifully.
- Strong Resale Value: The Taylor’s & Company and Uberti names carry weight in the reproduction market.
❌ Honest Considerations:
- Initial Action Stiffness: The action will be tight when new. It requires a break-in period of several hundred cycles to become buttery smooth. This is normal for a well-fitted 1873.
- Not a Modern Long-Range Platform: This is a historical design chambered in a pistol cartridge. It’s for 100-yard-and-in work. If you need a .30-30, look at our modern lever actions.
- Higher Price Point than Entry-Level: You’re paying for Uberti quality. If your budget is strictly under $800, the fit and finish will reflect that. See our full shop for other lever gun options.
Who This Rifle Is For (And Who Should Pass)
Buy the Taylor’s 1873 Carbine if: You’re a CAS (Cowboy Action Shooting) competitor looking for a reliable, period-correct main rifle. You’re a historical firearms enthusiast who values authenticity in both appearance and mechanical function. You’re a hunter wanting a fast-handling, low-recoil carbine for woods hunting at moderate ranges. You’re a reloader who enjoys tailoring .45 Colt loads for a specific firearm. You appreciate wood and steel and want a rifle that feels like a crafted tool, not an assembled product.
Consider another option if: Your primary need is a budget-friendly “plinker” and historical details are unimportant. You require a magnum-caliber lever gun for larger game (check our rifles category for .44 Mag or .30-30 models). You insist on a completely slick, glass-smooth action right out of the box without any break-in. You need optics-ready mounting; this platform is strictly for iron sights.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Lever Action Rifle (Carbine) |
| Material (Frame/Barrel) | Forged Steel / Steel |
| Manufacturing | Uberti (Italy) for Taylor’s & Company |
| Finish | Color Case Hardened Receiver, Blued Barrel |
| Hardness/Quality | Commercial Grade, Heat-Treated Forged Steel |
| Compatibility | .45 Colt (Long Colt) Ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to Fire; Manual Lever Action |
| Weight (Approx.) | 7.5 lbs |
| Dimensions (LxH) | 38″ Overall Length |
| Country of Origin | Italy (Final QC by Taylor’s, USA) |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | TAY-1873C-45LC-19 (Example Format) |
How It Stacks Up: Taylor’s vs. The Competition
| Feature | Taylors and Co 1873 Carbine (Uberti) | Budget Import Brand (e.g., Generic) | Premium Custom Shop 1873 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Frame | Forged steel frame, button-rifled barrel. | Often cast components, barrel quality varies. | Forged steel, often with additional hardening. |
| Quality & Fit | Very good wood-to-metal fit, authentic finishes. | Fit can be loose, finishes may be painted-on. | Excellent, hand-fitted, competition-ready. |
| Compatibility | Standard .45 Colt, aftermarket parts widely available. | May have proprietary or out-of-spec parts. | Often custom-tuned, may use proprietary parts. |
| Shipping & Readiness | Ready to ship, may require minor break-in. | Ready to ship, may require significant tuning. | Long lead times (weeks/months). |
| Lifespan/Durability | High; built for long-term use with proper care. | Variable; suitable for light use. | Very High; built for high-volume competition. |
| Price Point | $1,296.89 (Our Sale Price) | ~$800 – $1,000 | $2,500+ |
The Taylor’s 1873 occupies the essential middle ground: superior quality and authenticity to budget guns without the wait and extreme cost of a full-custom piece. It’s the practical choice for a serious shooter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this rifle ready for Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS)?
Yes, absolutely. The Taylor’s 1873 Carbine in .45 Colt is one of the most popular choices for CAS. It meets the requirements for period-correct rifles. The action will benefit from a break-in period and possibly a competition spring kit for faster cycling, but it is competition-ready out of the box.
Can I use modern .45 Colt ammunition in it?
Yes, but with a key distinction. This rifle is designed for standard-pressure .45 Colt ammunition, which is what you’ll find in most commercial offerings. Do not use .45 Colt +P or “Ruger/TC Only” high-pressure loads, as they exceed the design limits of the 1873 toggle-link action. Stick to SAAMI-spec loads.
How does the 19″ barrel compare to the 20″ or 24″ versions?
The 19″ barrel offers the classic “saddle ring carbine” profile. It’s slightly quicker to shoulder and swing than a 20″ or rifle-length barrel, making it excellent for dynamic shooting. The velocity loss is negligible with .45 Colt. The 19″ is often preferred for its balance and handling feel.
What is the break-in procedure for the action?
Function is key. Work the lever several hundred times while watching TV. You can also disassemble, clean out the factory grease, and apply a quality gun oil to the moving parts. The goal is to wear in the mating surfaces smoothly. Avoid forcing it; let the motion become natural. Many shooters also dry-fire with snap caps.
Is the walnut stock finished or raw?
It comes with an oil finish from the factory. This is a protective finish that allows the wood to breathe and can be easily touched up or completely refinished if you want to customize the color or sheen. It is not a thick, plastic-like polyurethane coat.
Where can I buy a Taylor’s 1873 Carbine online?
You can purchase the Taylors and Co 1873 Carbine Walnut .45 Colt 19″ Barrel 10-Rounds right here at Miamishooterssupply (miamishooterssupply.com). We are an authorized retailer, and the rifle ships from our inventory in Boise, ID.
Are spare parts and magazines available?
Yes. Due to the popularity of the Uberti-made 1873 pattern, a vast aftermarket exists for parts, from screws and springs to complete magazine tubes. Taylor’s & Company also provides customer support for parts. The magazine tube is integral to the rifle and not removable in the traditional sense, but inner magazine parts are available.
Ready to Order
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from Boise, ID on orders placed before 2 PM MT
✅ Discreet packaging for all shipments
✅ 30-day returns on unfired items in original packaging
✅ Secure checkout with multiple payment options
This Taylor’s 1873 Carbine represents a specific intersection of history, quality, and shootability. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s the one you won’t feel the need to upgrade later. The current sale price of $1296.89 makes it a strong value for a Uberti-built firearm.
Browse more: Lever Action Rifles | Rifles | Full Shop
About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on evaluation of the product, technical specifications from the manufacturer, and over a decade of industry experience in firearms e-commerce and platform development. It is written to provide a detailed, practical perspective for the DIY enthusiast and informed buyer.
Last updated: March 2026
