Chaparral 1873

[SFC]

What is the concensus on the quality of the Chaparral 1873s?  I would like to have an 1873, and it appears the Chaparrals run about $200 cheaper than an Uberti.  I like the oiled wood stock better compared to the glossy Uberti stocks.  I have read on a forum the wood is not walnut, but a hardwood with a dark finish.  I have never seen a Chaparral at a local gunshow or gunshop.  Are they worth the money? 

[Mossyrock]

While I haven't owned a Chaparral '73, I HAVE owned two of their '76s.  To answer your question, the stocks are not Walnut.  They appear to be some sort of Beech.  Also, for whatever it is worth, while I have owned two Chaparrals, I no longer own ANY Chaparrals, own an Uberti '73 Short Rifle and am saving my money for an Uberti '76 in 45-60.  Trust me when I say that the $200 price difference is well worth the money.

[Sgt. Jake]

    I once owned a A.S.M.gun and I will never knowingly own any gun,even if its only assembled by their former workmen.JMO        Adios  Sgt. Jake

[IT KIDD]

pards, recently purchased a chaparral 1873, great quality out  of box!! took it to my local smith and he smoothed up action and brass follower. real slick now, shoot ncows so must shoot as god made em, no kits!! smith was very happy with the internal quality and cheaper also!!

[Fox Creek Kid]

FWIW, I heard that the Chapparal '73 is closer to the real Winchester than the Uberti, especially internally.

[Irish Dave]

While I also have an Uberti, I purchased a Chaparral after the NRA convention last May -- a '73 Rifle in .45.

Have had no problems at all with it. So far, so good.

[Rusty Spurless]

My local dealer has one & I have handled it a few times. Fit & finish are excellent & the actions is very smooth.

Ive got a new set of pistols coming in next week & I figured I would by the 73 as well.

Will let ya'll know how she after that.

[robtlah]

I bought the Chaparral 1873 last fall in .357 mag. I like the looks of the wood...seems more authentic than the fancy Uberti wood. I did have a problem at first with occasional jams but I found out that I had to really pump the lever hard and solid. The cartridges cycled smoothly after that. I started wearing a leather work glove when shooting the '73 because the hard action was also hard on my fingers. My brother has a Uberti Henry rifle that works "smooth as silk"...always has, right out of the box. I'm hoping that, with use, the '73 will loosen up a bit...otherwise, I may have to take it to a gunsmith for some smoothing out.
Lawdog Bob