Winchester '66's & '73's

[Wes Virginian]

Pards,

     I have always shot my Marlin except when I had a Henry .44-40 (used it very little). Now I'm thinkin' (head hurt's) that I need a '66 or '73 in .44-40. Is there a big difference in them? I shoot BP most of the time (except when I shoot GF) and I'm thinkin' I need a '66. Can youall tell me the pro's and con's of each?

Thanks,

Wes Virginian

[Wymore Wrangler]

Both are toggle link actions, I prefer my 66 to my 73 and they cost about a hundred dollars less...

[Irish Red O'Toole]

The 66 has a much deeper drop at the butt than the 73 does.  Find out which fits you better and get that one.

[Phantom Falcon]

I have a Henry, a 66 and a 73, all in 44-40. I like them all and I can't tell a lot of difference in the 66 and 73 other than no dust cover on the 66. If you can, try the feel of the 66 and the 73 as some say there is a difference. I don't notice it.

I'll tell you one thing though. Shooting bp in any of these is a real hoot! I've never had so much fun in my life as shooting bp in these guns. They clean up really well since most of the "dirt" is in the barrel thanks to the bottleneck cartridge, I reckon. The only drawback is that bp shooting in a Henry is a winter sport where I am. That barrel gets hot enough with smokiless and it's damn unbearable with bp in the summer.

Try to feel both and see which you like. The actions are essentially the same. I think you would like either or both.

[litl rooster]

Wes Virginan I will be listing 2 Uberti's at the end of this week both 44-40 can get you more details if you like, neither have been shot.

[Four-Eyed Buck]

If you're doing BP, 44-40 or 38-40 is definately the ticket. Like Wymore said, try to handle both models and pick which one feels the best to you............Buck

[Wes Virginian]

Thanks, Pards! I'll try both of them.

[Slim Silver]

Alon same lines as the Wes Virginian...I been thinkin' about it myself. (Lst me know if I skin my ignorance here) are there any manufacturers/importers that you feel more comfortable with than others of the 66 and 73 products?

[Big John Denny]

I use an Uberti marked 66 and have never missed with it yet. Mine is a 45 Colt to match my revolvers.

[Slim Silver]

Don't mean to start a "Ford and Chevy" deal here but... I have been told that several Importers import Uberti products.  Difference is, some have higher base requiirements or specifications than others.  Is this true, and if so, which is the most bang for the buck.  I'm looking to come up with one that feeds .38s without hiccups and won't break the bank to get my hands on it.  Thanks

[Scattered Thumbs]

My preferance goes to the 73. Easier to disassemble, has a steel frame and the trigger interlock safety.
Also .44 WCF is it's original caliber.
That said, I also like the looks of the 66.   
I also like .45 Colt.....In revolvers.

[Ozark Iron John]

My choice was an Uberti 1873 Win. .45LC

[litl rooster]

Ozark is ther  a reason you like the 73....I shoot 45's in pistol and have been eyeballing the Marlin CBC have had real good luck with the litl' marlin .357.

[Wes Virginian]

litl rooster,
     Where in Virginia are you located? Are you going to shoot at "The Mason Dixon Stampede?

Wes

[Ozark Iron John]

Ozark is ther  a reason you like the 73....I shoot 45's in pistol and have been eyeballing the Marlin CBC have had real good luck with the litl' marlin .357.

I like the '73 for a lot of reasons.  Feelings mostly.  I didn't do a real scientific analysis.  It felt better to me.  It looked better.  It shot better.  I liked the Uberti products.  They have a good reputation.  Most of my friends in CAS sho0t the '73.

[Scattered Thumbs]

Ozark is ther  a reason you like the 73....I shoot 45's in pistol and have been eyeballing the Marlin CBC have had real good luck with the litl' marlin .357.

They never made a movie called "Marlin 94"? 

[litl rooster]

Ozark is ther  a reason you like the 73....I shoot 45's in pistol and have been eyeballing the Marlin CBC have had real good luck with the litl' marlin .357.

They never made a movie called "Marlin 94"? 

should have been Marlin 98 the sequel


I was curious since I would like a same caliber rifle

[Micheal Fortune]

The guns are in the Winchester evolutionary chain, the 1860 Henry, with a forearm and Kings patented loading gate added is the Winchester 66, move to a metal frame, the lever lock safety (the trigger can't be pulled until the lever is fully closed) and the .45 Colt cartridge you have the Winchester 73.

So calibers not withstanding, the difference between the 66 and the 73 is a solid metal frame and the lever lock safety.  Not careful with the 66  you can fire out of battery.

Which do I have, neither, I shoot a Marlin 1894CB, but I would love a '73. 

Hope this is useful.

[Tangle Eye]

I've got a Henry, 66, and 73. I lean toward the 66 except when I'm shooting Frontiersman - then I grab the Henry.  I like the 66 better than the 73 but I really can't tell you why - just feel I guess - and style points with the brass frame.

[Big John Denny]

The 66 has slightly more drop to the stock, so that makes it feel better to me, and, like I said before, I've never missed with it yet. That adds a lot to the confidence factor.

By the way, Dixie Gun Works is having a sale on Uberti 1866's in 44-40. It seems like a pretty good savings. You might want to check it out.

They're selling them for under $600.