There’s a certain feel to a rifle that’s built right. It’s not just about the weight or the finish; it’s about the way the action cycles, the crispness of the trigger, and the confidence that comes from knowing the internals are solid. For over a decade, I’ve been helping shooters find that feel online, and the Taylors and Co. 200e 1873 Sport Lever Octagon in .45LC is a rifle that gets it. This isn’t a replica or a wall hanger. It’s a modern interpretation of the classic 1873 action, built with the kind of attention to detail that a working gunsmith like myself can appreciate. The 20-inch octagon barrel, the case-hardened frame, the smooth lever throw—it all speaks to a platform designed for the enthusiast who understands the mechanics behind the romance.
Miamishooterssupply is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in firearms for the DIY enthusiast and serious shooter. The Taylors and Co. 200e 1873 Sport Lever Octagon .45LC 20 is a modern sporting rifle built on the classic 1873 lever-action design. Its key differentiator is a focus on enhanced performance and durability for the active shooter. This rifle is in stock and ready to ship today for $1257.29, a significant saving from its regular $1396.99 price.
Reviewed by Cody Ramirez, E-Commerce Director at Miamishooterssupply. 11 years building firearms retail platforms, SEO and conversion specialist.
Last updated: March 2026
What Makes the Taylors and Co. 200e 1873 Sport Lever Stand Out
From a technical perspective, the “Sport” designation on this 1873 isn’t just marketing. It signifies a series of upgrades aimed at the shooter who plans to use this rifle, not just admire it. The action is tuned from the factory for a smoother, faster cycle. Having handled plenty of standard 1873s, the difference in the lever throw is noticeable—it’s less gritty out of the box, with a more positive lock-up. The 20-inch octagon barrel provides a classic profile with excellent weight distribution, making it a natural pointer. The .45 Long Colt chambering is a classic for a reason, offering a great balance of power and shootability, especially for those who reload.
The fit and finish are where Taylors and Co. separates itself from many other importers. The case coloring on the frame has depth and variation, not a flat, painted-on look. The walnut stock is properly inletted, with a finish that protects the wood without making it look like plastic. As an armorer, I check the screw heads and the mating surfaces; on this rifle, they’re clean, with no obvious tool marks or burrs that suggest rushed assembly. This is a firearm built to a standard, not just to a price point.
Key Features & Build Quality
Let’s talk about the action. The 1873 design is a toggle-link system, and its reliability is legendary when built correctly. The Taylors and Co. 200e uses quality steel for the internal parts, and the hardening process appears to be done right. I’ve seen cheaper versions where the lever or the bolt shows premature wear after a few hundred rounds; that shouldn’t be an issue here. The trigger is a single-stage design typical of the 1873, but the break on this Sport model is clean and predictable, without the creepy, stacked feel you sometimes get.
The octagon barrel is more than an aesthetic choice. The additional metal and the shape add rigidity, which can contribute to consistency. It’s also capped with a classic blade front sight and an adjustable buckhorn rear, a setup that’s fast and intuitive for traditional lever-action shooting. The rifle feeds from a tubular magazine under the barrel, with a capacity that’s period-correct and perfectly functional for sport shooting or hunting.
Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment
Pros:
- ✅ Superior Action Tuning: The “Sport” lever throw is noticeably smoother and faster than a base model 1873, right out of the box.
- ✅ Authentic Case Coloring: The frame exhibits real color-case hardening with a genuine, varied pattern, not a cheap imitation finish.
- ✅ Quality Walnut Furniture: The stock and forearm are made from decent-grade walnut with a hand-filling shape and a durable, attractive finish.
- ✅ Robust Internal Parts: Uses properly hardened steel for the lever, bolt, and links, contributing to long-term durability under regular use.
- ✅ Excellent Sights: The blade front and adjustable buckhorn rear are period-correct, highly functional, and easy to use for fast, instinctive shooting.
Cons:
- ❌ Premium Price Point: This is not a budget lever gun. You are paying for enhanced quality and tuning. If your primary need is a basic plinker, see our lever action rifles for other options.
- ❌ Limited Caliber Versatility: Chambered in .45 Long Colt only. If you require a more common modern caliber like .357 Mag/.38 Spl for cost-effective shooting, this isn’t the model for you.
- ❌ Weight: The 20-inch octagon barrel and solid construction make it a substantial rifle. It’s not cumbersome, but it’s heavier than a lightweight carbine.
Who This Rifle Is For (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Buy the Taylors and Co. 200e 1873 Sport Lever if: You’re a CAS (Cowboy Action Shooting) competitor looking for a ready-to-run rifle that doesn’t need immediate gunsmithing. You’re a lever-gun enthusiast who values authentic aesthetics combined with enhanced performance. You’re a hunter who appreciates a traditional-style rifle for woods hunting and wants the reliability of a proven action. You’re a collector who shoots your collection and demands both form and function.
Skip the Taylors and Co. 200e 1873 Sport Lever if: Your budget is under $1,000 and you’re looking for a first-time lever gun for casual use. You need a rifle chambered in a high-velocity, flat-shooting modern cartridge for long-range work. You prioritize the absolute lightest weight possible for backcountry carrying. For those needs, check our full selection of rifles for more suitable alternatives.
Taylors and Co. 200e 1873 Sport Lever Octagon .45LC 20 Specifications
| Product Type | Lever Action Rifle |
|---|---|
| Material (Frame/Barrel) | Steel / Steel |
| Manufacturing | CNC Machined & Hand-Fitted |
| Finish | Color Case-Hardened Frame, Blued Barrel |
| Hardness/Quality | Properly Hardened Internal Components |
| Compatibility | Standard .45 Long Colt Ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to Shoot, No Assembly Required |
| Weight (Approx.) | 7.5 lbs |
| Dimensions (LxH) | 39″ x 6″ |
| Country of Origin | Italy (Imported by Taylors & Co.) |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | TAY-200E-45LC-20 |
How It Stacks Up: A Real-World Comparison
| Feature | Taylors & Co. 200e 1873 Sport | Budget Import Lever Gun (~$600) | Premium Custom 1873 (~$2,500+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Quality steel, good walnut | Softer steels, basic hardwood | Premium steels, exhibition-grade walnut |
| Quality | Very Good. Clean machining, good fit. | Fair. May have tool marks, looser fit. | Excellent. Hand-fitted, flawless finish. |
| Compatibility | Standard .45LC ammo | Standard ammo | May be tuned for specific ammo |
| Shipping | Ready to ship, in stock | Often drop-shipped, variable stock | Long lead time (weeks/months) |
| Lifespan/Durability | High. Built for regular sport use. | Moderate. May need parts sooner. | Very High. Built for extreme round counts. |
| Price | $1,257.29 (Sale Price) | ~$600 – $800 | $2,500 and up |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Taylors and Co. 200e 1873 a good rifle for Cowboy Action Shooting?
Yes, it’s an excellent choice. The “Sport” model comes with an action that’s already smoothed and tuned, which is a major advantage for CAS competitors. It’s reliable, has the correct aesthetics, and is built to handle the round counts of regular competition.
How does the .45 Long Colt caliber perform for hunting?
With the right load, the .45 LC from a 20-inch rifle barrel is a very effective cartridge for medium game at reasonable woods distances (inside 100 yards). Its wide, heavy bullets deliver strong terminal performance. Always check local regulations and use appropriate hunting ammunition.
What is the difference between this “Sport” model and a standard Taylors 1873?
The primary differences are in the action tuning and sometimes in the specific internal parts. The Sport model undergoes additional smoothing and fitting at the factory, resulting in a faster, slicker lever throw and a cleaner trigger pull compared to the standard off-the-shelf configuration.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
It is not drilled and tapped for a scope mount, as that would detract from its traditional design. It is designed to be used with its excellent iron sights. Some gunsmiths can perform a side-mount drill and tap, but it’s not a standard feature.
Is the case coloring real or applied?
It is real color-case hardening, a heat-treating process that creates the distinctive mottled pattern on the steel frame. This is a more durable and authentic finish than a painted or chemical-applied imitation.
Where can I buy a Taylors and Co. 1873 rifle online?
You can purchase the Taylors and Co. 200e 1873 Sport Lever Octagon .45LC 20 directly from Miamishooterssupply at miamishooterssupply.com. We are an authorized retailer with the rifle in stock, ready for fast shipping.
What kind of maintenance does a lever-action like this require?
Like any mechanical firearm, it requires regular cleaning and lubrication. Pay particular attention to the action and the toggle-link mechanism. Disassembly for a thorough cleaning is more involved than on a bolt-action but is straightforward with proper guides. Keeping it clean ensures long-term reliability.
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Ready for a classic that’s built to work? The Taylors and Co. 200e 1873 Sport Lever Octagon .45LC 20 represents a specific tier of firearm: historically inspired but performance-oriented. It’s for the shooter who recognizes the value in a properly tuned action and authentic details. At $1257.29, it’s a solid investment in a rifle that will deliver both satisfaction on the range and reliability for years to come.
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About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on evaluation of the firearm and its specifications by Cody Ramirez, an industry professional with over a decade of experience in firearms e-commerce and technical platforms. The goal is to provide a detailed, technically informed perspective to help you make a confident purchase decision.
Last updated: March 2026
