New to CAS - Lever action barrel length?

McCrower · January 01, 2015, 12:28:51 PM

I am just starting out CAS, and I am thinking about buying an Uberti 1873 lever action rifle in 38./.357. I know that the barrel has to be at least 16" long (but I really don't like the look of the 16" rifle

).

What is the perfect length for a quick shooting lever action on multiple targets?

Fingers McGee · January 01, 2015, 01:06:37 PM

20"

Major 2 · January 01, 2015, 01:09:07 PM

perfect ? hmmm I know I like the point & balance on my 20 " on my 73 in 44 ... course I'm also partial to 24" on my Henry's.

I would say it's all in the beholder.... you could try several and see what you like, or buy one of each and see

aside from the obvious hit to the wallet, both methods rather good

A. testing the waters, and chose the boat
or B. owning the boat house

EDIT:
As I typed my

clever reply , Finger stated 20"... I concur

Sir Charles deMouton-Black · January 01, 2015, 04:27:28 PM

For CAS, you would be handicapping yourself if you couldn't load a full 10 rounds in the mag.

My original '73 .44-40 rifle cut to 20" by the original owner, like a short rifle, will take 12 as the mag spring is soft.

Shotgun Franklin · January 01, 2015, 08:37:03 PM

QuoteFor CAS, you would be handicapping yourself if you couldn't load a full 10 rounds in the mag.

Yep, in years gone by people bought little carbines then had to load more rounds in the middle of a string of fire.

Fingers McGee · January 01, 2015, 10:50:39 PM

My AWA Lightning, Uberti 1873, an Uberti 1866 Carbines, all in 44-40 will hold at least 11 rounds. I did shorten the spring in the lightning though to make it easier to load; which had nothing to do with the capacity.

Pit Mule · January 02, 2015, 08:52:05 AM

24 inch for me. It balances better and is easier to keep on target.

McCrower · January 02, 2015, 08:59:57 AM

It seems like the Ubertis with 19" and 20" inch barrels hold the same number of rounds..Is this correct?

Pit Mule · January 02, 2015, 09:02:54 AM

Not sure about the 19's, my 20" 73 holds 10.

Sir Charles deMouton-Black · January 02, 2015, 10:06:17 AM

I have an Uberti '66 carbine that holds 10 .38 Specials easily.

Added; 6jan15; This 19 " barreled carbine holds 11 rounds as loaded with the RCBS .38-140-CM.

wildman1 · January 04, 2015, 06:22:49 AM

My 19" holds 10 45's. My wife's 16" holds 10 38 specials. wM1

McCrower · January 05, 2015, 04:45:17 AM

OK. Then I have ordered a Uberti 1873 Short Rifle in .357 with a 20" barrel. Hope I didn't do anything wrong here concering my upcoming CAS career

?

Charles B Gatewood · January 05, 2015, 12:50:59 PM

McCrower,
Good job! Is it stock or did you order it with all the upgrades?

CBG

McCrower · January 05, 2015, 12:54:26 PM

Quote from: Charles B Gatewood on January 05, 2015, 12:50:59 PM
McCrower,
Good job! Is it stock or did you order it with all the upgrades?

CBG

Stock I think. What are the upgrades?

Charles B Gatewood · January 05, 2015, 03:34:48 PM

Howdy,
Upgrades being internals polished, tuning, short-stroked, etc. Nothing wrong with shooting a stock rifle, but eventually you will probably want it worked over, with or without the SS. That type of work can extend the life of the rifle and most importantly it's more fun to shoot! Talk to pards at your local matches and see what they've had done. If and when you decide to have some work done, take/send it to a smith who works on cowboy guns. You ordered a great rifle and it should serve you well. Just wait until other guns follow you home!

CBG