Pretty nice write up in the American Rifleman on the new Winchester 1873.
I own Uberti 73s, and I have tuned up a bunch more. I can confidently assert that the
build quality and tolerances of the New Winchester is far better than the Uberti by any standard you care to use. As for the wood, yes it is "plain" but it is good quality walnut and has a satin oil finish that, IMHO is much nicer that the red varnish (or whatever it is) that Uberti puts on their version. For what it's worth, it is just the kind of "plain straight grain walnut" that Winchester used back in the day. The metal polish and prep on the New Winchester is also better than the Uberti. All in all, for the same money as the Uberti, you get a competition ready Winchester 1873. As to whether or not it is a "real" Wnchester is a matter of opinion, and how narrow or broad you want to be in your definition. It is marked Winchester on the tang and on the barrel - to me that makes it a Winchester.
Uberti does not, nor can they put the Winchester name on theirs.Not bashing Uberti's 73. It is a very nice rifle, and I use and enjoy them!