There’s a specific weight and balance to a rifle that’s built to a historical spec, not just inspired by one. Unboxing the Taylors and Co. 200A 1873 Winchester in .45 Long Colt, the first thing you notice is the heft of that 24 1/4-inch octagonal barrel. It’s not a replica; it’s a faithful continuation of the original Winchester design, manufactured by Uberti in Italy and finished by Taylor’s in the US. This is the rifle you see in the hands of top-tier competitors at SASS events, and for good reason. The action is smooth out of the box, but it’s the internal geometry and material quality that lets a gunsmith like me tune it into something truly exceptional. If you’re looking for a platform to build on, or a historically accurate shooter right from the start, this is where that journey begins.
Miamishooterssupply is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in firearms for DIY enthusiasts and serious shooters. The Taylors and Co. 200A 1873 Winchester .45LC 24.25 is a faithful reproduction of the legendary Winchester lever-action rifle. Its Uberti-manufactured action and hand-fitted wood-to-metal finish set it apart from basic replicas. Available now for $1399.99 $1259.99 with same-day shipping.
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 Taylors & Co. 200A 1873
This isn’t a wall hanger. From an armorer’s perspective, the value is in the foundational build. Taylor’s & Co. sources the rifle frames and major components from Uberti, which is widely regarded as producing the most authentic and mechanically sound replicas available. The critical difference is what happens after it leaves Italy. Taylor’s performs additional inspections, hand-fitting, and finishing in the United States. This means the walnut stock has a better fit to the receiver, the bluing is more consistent, and the overall function is vetted before it ships. The 24.25-inch octagonal barrel isn’t just for looks; it provides a significant forward weight bias that aids in off-hand shooting and rapid lever-cycling follow-up shots, a detail competitive shooters understand immediately.
Key Features & Build Quality
The heart of any 1873 is its toggle-link action. The design is inherently strong for pistol-caliber cartridges like the .45 Long Colt. The Taylors 200A uses forged steel components for the lever, bolt, and links, not cast metal. This is a crucial distinction for longevity and smoothness. The hardness of these parts allows for precise stoning and polishing to achieve the famous “glass smooth” action that reduces effort and increases speed. The hammer spring and trigger pull are set to a manageable weight from the factory, but they’re designed to be easily tuned.
The blued finish on the barrel, magazine tube, and receiver is a hot chemical blue, not a paint or coating. It provides a deep, traditional luster and decent corrosion resistance. The American walnut stock is hand-finished with an oil-based stain and finish, giving it a classic feel that will develop character with use. The rear sight is a traditional buckhorn ladder sight, fully adjustable for elevation, while the front is a blade dovetailed into the barrel. This setup is period-correct and highly effective for the ranges this cartridge is meant for.
Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment
After handling dozens of these, here’s the breakdown:
✅ Pros:
- Authentic Toggle-Link Action: Forged steel internals provide a solid, tunable foundation for competitive use or smooth plinking.
- Superior Fit and Finish: The additional U.S. fitting by Taylor’s results in tighter wood-to-metal seams and a more refined overall appearance than a straight import.
- Historical Accuracy: Correct barrel profile, sights, and furniture make this a favorite for reenactors and collectors who shoot.
- Out-of-the-Box Shootability: The action is smoother than most budget replicas, requiring less initial break-in.
- Strong Aftermarket Support: Being a Uberti-based 1873, every part and upgrade from companies like Pioneer Gun Works, Slixprings, and others drops right in.
❌ Cons:
- Price Point: It commands a premium over basic Italian imports. If your budget is tight and historical authenticity is less critical, see our Lever Action Rifles for other options.
- Weight: The octagonal barrel makes it a heavier rifle. For a lighter, handier carbine, you’d want a model with a round barrel.
- Manual Safety: It has a manual cross-bolt safety added for modern import regulations, which is not period-correct. Most competitive shooters immediately replace it with a plug.
Who This Rifle Is For (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Buy it if: You’re a CAS/SASS shooter looking for a high-quality base rifle to customize. You’re a tinkerer or amateur gunsmith who appreciates a well-made action to work on. You’re a collector who values historical accuracy but actually uses your collection. You want a lever-action that feels substantial and authoritative, not light and tinny.
Skip it if: Your primary need is a lightweight brush gun for hunting; the octagonal barrel adds unnecessary heft. Your budget is under $1,000 for the rifle itself. You want a completely modern lever-action with a scope rail and synthetic stock; this is a traditional design. You’re looking for a .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum; this model is in .45 Colt only.
Technical Specifications
| Product Type | Lever Action Rifle (Reproduction) |
|---|---|
| Material (Frame/Barrel) | Forged Steel / Steel |
| Manufacturing | Uberti (Italy), Finished by Taylor’s & Co. (USA) |
| Finish | Blued Steel, Oil-Finished Walnut |
| Hardness/Quality | Forged & Heat-Treated Components |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt (Also called .45 Colt) |
| Installation/Usage | Right-Hand, Manual Lever Action |
| Weight (Approx.) | 8.5 lbs |
| Dimensions (LxH) | 43″ Overall Length |
| Country of Origin | Italy (Finished in USA) |
| Condition | New, Factory Fresh |
| SKU | TAY-200A-45LC-24.25 |
How It Stacks Up: Taylors & Co. vs. The Competition
| Feature | Taylors & Co. 200A 1873 | Basic Italian Import (e.g., Cimarron Model P) | Premium Custom (e.g., Cody-Matic Tuned) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Forged steel, U.S. hand-fitted | Cast & forged mix, factory assembly | Forged, fully gunsmithed & tuned |
| Quality / Fit & Finish | High-grade bluing, fitted walnut | Standard bluing, functional fit | Exhibition-grade, seamless fit |
| Compatibility | Standard 1873 aftermarket | Standard 1873 aftermarket | Often custom-spec, may vary |
| Shipping & Availability | In stock, ships today | Often drop-shipped, longer lead | Built-to-order, 6-12 month wait |
| Lifespan / Durability | Excellent, tunable action | Good for casual use | Exceptional, race-ready |
| Price | $1259.99 (Sale) | ~$1100 – $1200 | $2500+ |
The Taylors 200A occupies a critical sweet spot. It’s significantly better finished than a bare-bones import, giving you a rifle that feels premium from day one without the multi-thousand-dollar price tag and year-long wait of a full custom job. For the shooter who knows they’ll want to upgrade springs, sights, or levers over time, starting with this higher-quality base is the smart financial move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Taylors and Co. 200A 1873 a good rifle for Cowboy Action Shooting?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most popular base rifles in the sport. The toggle-link action is the preferred design for CAS, and the Taylors version provides a superior out-of-the-box fit and smoothness that many shooters use as-is or as an excellent platform for further competition-specific tuning.
Can I use modern .45 Colt ammunition in this rifle?
Yes. It is chambered for standard .45 Long Colt ammunition. It is designed for standard pressure loads (typically up to 14,000 PSI). It is not rated for modern “Ruger Only” or high-pressure .45 Colt +P loads. Always consult your reloading manual or ammunition specifications.
How does the 24.25-inch octagonal barrel affect handling?
The octagonal barrel adds weight and moves the balance point forward. This makes the rifle feel very stable when shooting off-hand and can help mitigate muzzle rise during rapid levering. The trade-off is that it’s heavier to carry all day. If you prefer a faster, handier feel, a 20-inch round barrel model might be a better fit.
What is the difference between the Taylors 200A and a standard Uberti 1873?
The core action and barrel are made by Uberti. The key difference is that Taylor’s & Co. performs additional quality control, hand-fitting of the wood, and final finishing in the United States. This results in a rifle with tighter tolerances, a more refined appearance, and often smoother initial function than a rifle shipped directly from Uberti’s factory.
Is this rifle suitable for hunting?
With the right load, the .45 Colt is capable for deer-sized game at moderate ranges (inside 100 yards). The 24.25-inch barrel is less ideal for maneuvering in thick brush. This rifle’s strengths are target shooting, competition, and historical recreation. For dedicated hunting, a lighter carbine model in a different caliber might be more practical.
Where can I buy a Taylors and Co. 200A 1873 Winchester online?
You can purchase it right here at Miamishooterssupply (miamishooterssupply.com). We stock this model and ship directly from our warehouse in Boise, ID. You benefit from our hands-on inspection before shipping and our dedicated customer service for firearms enthusiasts.
What kind of maintenance does a toggle-link 1873 require?
Like any lever-action, it needs regular cleaning and lubrication. The toggle-link design has more pivot points than a Browning-style 1892 or 1894. Keeping these points lightly oiled is crucial for smooth operation. Disassembly for a thorough cleaning is more involved but straightforward with a guide—many YouTube gun channels have excellent tutorials.
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About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on experience with the firearm, technical schematics, and feedback from the competitive shooting community. As an E-Commerce Director and firearms specialist, I focus on the mechanical facts, build quality, and real-world application to help you make an informed decision.
Last updated: March 2026
