Old Reliable

[1Riot1Ranger]

My wife and I are new to Cowboy Shooting but not new to shooting. We've settled on and purchased 4 new Old Vaqueros knowing the guns and liking their feel after the actions are done. They're Dependable and that' what we're looking for now in a carbine. Can anyone with experience with Uberti Winchester '73s in .45 Colt comment on their real-world reliability? And we'd appreciate any recommendations for alternate reliable rifles. Thanks and thanks to everyone on this site. It really has helped us enormously.
1Riot1Ranger

[Steel Horse Bailey]

I have a wonderful '66 Uberti Winchester, (in 45 Colt) which is the older brother to the '73 and has essentially the same action.  No problems or hickups in 6 years.  Just for variety, you might consider a '92 Rossi Winchester as a back up.  I have both and they've been FLAWLESS in operation.  Neither of my rifles nor any of my pistols or shotguns have had the services of a pro to work on them.  Thanks to Marauder's website, http://www.marauder.homestead.com/irons.html I was able to do the work myself.

[Big John Denny]

Pard, you see a lot of 1873's and 1866's at our local clubs here. I have a 66 myself and have found it to be smooth in operation and dependable. Lot's of my pards use the 73's and swear by them. Both guns are pricey and if cost is an issue you could pick up a used Marlin in a cowboy caliber for less money. I personally am not a big fan of the 92 unless its been worked over by a good smith.

I would suggest getting a rifle the same caliber as your handguns. This simplifies any ammo problems later on with having to buy or re-load two or three different calibers.

I'm sure you'll get a lot of responses to your question, since we all tend to have our favorite rifle and caliber.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

My wife and I shoot '73 carbines. They're as reliable as a rifle can get. Most of the people we shoot with also prefer them.

[1Riot1Ranger]

Got a load of comments today and, you're right; everyone has their favorites. But the one constant is that the '73 is one of the most reliable out there despite what they happen to be shootin' today. Some pass because of the cost and others because they've been with theirs for so long that they're comfortable with them and why change. No matter, mostly what I hear is that since I'm startin' from scratch, if you can afford them, the '73's a great way to go.  So, maybe Santa will be good to me this Christmas.