1873 Winchester

[Digger]

Hi Y'all,

I plan to get a Winchester 1873, .44-40.  Since they're all pretty much Ubertis, does anybody have any observations of one brand, Cimarron, Taylor, etc, over another?  I'm thinking 24" barrel.  Better or worse choice than the 20" or 30" barrel?


Thanks,
Digger

[Black Powder]

I chose the 20" carbine, also in 44-40.  Just feels right plus, I like barrel bands more than end caps!

I bought mine used, but have a new Cimarron Model P that is great, so I'd go with Cimarron.  Buffalo Arms has good prices on Cimarron's guns (where I got my Model P).

BP

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I know you are looking at a repro, but my original was an octagon rifle.  It was shortened by the original owner to 20 inches.  It is VERY quick & easy to shoot.  Try  the short rifle, if you can find one.

[Pit Mule]

Can't get any better than a '73', whoever makes it. I shot a 20 inch border model for 3 years then switched to the 24 inch. For me the balance of the 24 inch works better for me. And the extra 4 inches helps when the targets get out there a ways. One thing I do prefere on a 73 is the shotgun butt stock instead of the crescent butt stock. It's more forgiving setting it in the shoulder than the crescent. I think the shotgun butt is more common on the 20 inch saddle ring models. But it's the preferance of the shooter on that issue. 20, 24 30? As long as it's a 73, doesn't matter.   

[Digger]

Hi Y'all,

After hemming and hawing around, I went with a Cimarron, .44-40.  I considered the 20", almost got one, but finally decided we do some other shooting around here and the 24" might give me some more flexibility there.

Next question.  Would I have any problems shooting black powder in it?  I mean, it was originally made for black powder, wasn't it?  Any gotcha's?


Thanks,
Digger

[shieldsmt]

I've got one and I absolutely love it.  Loaded the only bullets I had, with Unique.  Shot OK.  Then I slugged the bore, measured .429.  Got some .430 soft bullets lubed w/ SPG and loaded with a pretty heavily compressed load of GOEX FFFg and groups tightened right up.  Killing antelope and deer with it, what a kick.  Punches right through them.  I'll never use smokeless in it again.  It was built for BP and performs like a champ with black.  Loading is easy, once the dies are set up you just commence to loading the same every time.  I'm sure the key is matching the bullet to the bore.  I bet factory jacketed rounds at .426 like they mostly come would be dismal.  This gun will never see those though.  You'll want to wash your bras is soapy hot water. That's the only extra step involved.  Enjoy your gun like it was made to used...

[Black Powder]

Congrats, Digger.  You sought, checked it out and made a good move.  Exciting, ain't it?  You'll find many followers of the holy black sing the praises of the 44-40.  I've not taken the plunge myself, but that was one of the reasons I chose 44-40 was for black powder.  Good place to search for info is in the Darksider's Den. 

You'll want to wash your bras is soapy hot water.

No arguments here.  Don't mix with colors and be mindful of shrinkage.   

[Forty Rod]

Hi Y'all,

I plan to get a Winchester 1873, .44-40.  Since they're all pretty much Ubertis, does anybody have any observations of one brand, Cimarron, Taylor, etc, over another?  I'm thinking 24" barrel.  Better or worse choice than the 20" or 30" barrel?


Thanks,
Digger

You've picked the best possible choice...it's the one I made.  You may get different opinions, but they're all wrong.     

Go for the best price.  They are all pretty much alike and all will need some tuning anyway.

[Jefro]

Next question.  Would I have any problems shooting black powder in it?  I mean, it was originally made for black powder, wasn't it?  Any gotcha's?

Howdy Digger, you made a great choice, the 73 was made for this game and Black Powder. The only 'gotcha' is the big grin it leaves behind. Try to find some pards doing a group buy of BP, it'll save you enough to shoot more. Good Luck.

Jefro