1873 Winchester 20" Oct Barrel w/Pistol Grip 44 WCF

[Seth Hawkins]

Did Winchester ever make an 1873 "Special Sporting" rifle with a 20" octagonal bbl and pistol grip with checkered wood chambered in 44 WCF as can be bought today by the Italian makers?  Just wondering how historically accurate a gun configured like that is.

I'm lookin to buy one, but can't decide if I want a 20" bbl or a 24" bbl.  All of my rifles in the past have had the longer barrels, so I'm thinking of trying something new.  I'm not too concerned about a 20" bbl not being historically accurate.  I'm just curious. I've been shooting my wife's '73 carbine for a few months and like how well the shorter barrel handles.

[Abilene]

Well, we know that the majority of the '73's were in 44wcf, and we know there were some checkered pistol grips, and we know that you could order pretty much any barrel length you wanted, so I expect the 20" octagonal with pistol grip probably exists, even if not many.  I've even seen a pistol grip '73 with octagonal barrel and double set triggers that was shipped to a Texas Ranger, although I don't recall the barrel length.

I know some folks have complained that the lever on the Uberti pistol grip rifle is more curved than originals, but it is a very minor difference.

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Howdy
I had a half octagon 20 inch barrel with  checkered stock and pistol grip .That was an excellent handling rifle but it was a 45 colt and I was wanting a 44wcf . Now I have a 44wcf but no checker stocks or pistol grip . But it is a real Deer KILLER . The 44wcf is an excellent caliber when loaded to it's full potential .

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Howdy
Here is another picture .