66 or 73?

[Bryan Austin]

I never have liked to open a can of worms but I just gotta ask...

Should I get a 73 or a 66?

My main question comes from this.

I really want a 66 in 44-40 with the longer octagon barrel. Whether it is a 66 or 73, which was more popular the long barrel sporting rife or the short barrel carbine?

Any reasons why either are preferred.

[Hoof Hearted]

I never have liked to open a can of worms but I just gotta ask...

Should I get a 73 or a 66?

My main question comes from this.

I really want a 66 in 44-40 with the longer octagon barrel. Whether it is a 66 or 73, which was more popular the long barrel sporting rife or the short barrel carbine?

Any reasons why either are preferred.

If by "longer" you mean 30", then it's a '73. Uberti doesn't make a 30" 1866.

[Forty Rod]

Go with 24" octagon and yes, get a 66 and a 73.

[Flint]

The 73 rifle comes in three lengths, 20, 24 and 30 inch.  The short rifle in 20 inches has an octagonal barrel and rifle butt and rifle style forestock, it is an Italian invention, many shooters are using it.  The Carbine has a round barrel and the foresock retained by a barrel band.

[Bryan Austin]

lol, I figured that would happen!!

Ok, What were the barrel lengths and styles afford on the original 66 and 73's?

[Dusty Morningwood]

I have both a 66 (.44 Spl.) and a 73 (.44-40) with 24" barrels  It is my understanding that rifles were more common than carbines (?) and that "short rifles" were rare.

[Bryan Austin]

It is my understanding that rifles were more common than carbines (?)

yeah, yeah...thats what I was trying to say!!!

[Flint]

Original Winchesters could be had with just about anything you asked for.  Additional barrel length were priced at $1.00 per inch.  Heavier barrels, round or octagon increasing the weight of the gun from one to two pounds cost additional $5.00.  Set triggers were $4.00. 

[Black Powder]

I went with the '73 over the '66 and can't remember if I had any better reason other than not remembering many TV characters that used a rifle with a brass frame.  But when a barely used one showed up at a match with a for sale sign on it, that was that.  Carbine, 44-40 for eventual black powder shooting.  Love it. 

Don't I remember something about the loading gate on the '66 being inherently weak and needing replacement sooner or later?  A hidden expense with the '66?  Don't want to give bad info.  Anyway, the '73 is a tank.

If you have any leanings toward historic accuarcy and portraying a character from a specific time frame, say just after the War, the '73 won't work.

It's a heckuva dilemma.

Merry Christmas,

BP

[Bryan Austin]

I'd like a 66 to go with my 1858s and the 73 to go along with my 73 revolvers. BUt then I still have only an 1887 shotgun...lol

[Black Powder]

Now you're talkin'!  A 66 with your c&b, and a '73 with the new cartridge revolvers.  Poor ol' 87 needs a mate too - how 'bout a '92?  It's almost mandatory.

BP

[Bryan Austin]

Now you're talkin'!  A 66 with your c&b, and a '73 with the new cartridge revolvers.  Poor ol' 87 needs a mate too - how 'bout a '92?  It's almost mandatory.

BP

I have my sister's Winchester 1892 30-30 made in 1951. Is that good enough? I have my 1887 Marlin 44-40 but its a button mag. Not good for CAS.

[Hoof Hearted]

I have my sister's Winchester 1892 30-30 made in 1951. Is that good enough? I have my 1887 Marlin 44-40 but its a button mag. Not good for CAS.

That 30-30 (30WCF) would be a 94 (made in 1951) if it's a Winchester (92's are chambered in pistol calibers).
How about a Winchester 1873 (original) chambered in 38-40? I have one for sale. It's an OBFMCB Rifle.