Taylors & Company 1873 Rifle .45 Long Colt 20″ Walnut
The Taylors & Company 1873 Rifle .45 Long Colt 20″ Walnut is a heritage-style lever-action built for shooters who want an authentic Old West feel with modern reliability. Chambered in .45 Long Colt, this rifle features a 20-inch octagonal barrel, straight walnut stock, and the factory Taylor Tuned action for a smoother, lighter lever stroke right out of the box.
| Manufacturer | Taylors & Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Rifle |
| Material | Steel receiver, walnut stock (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt ammunition |
| Finish | Blued steel, oiled walnut |
| Weight | Approximately 8.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Taylor Tuned Action: Hand-polished internals and lighter springs mean the lever cycles smoother than a standard 1873. This cuts down on fatigue during long range sessions or cowboy action matches.
- 20-Inch Octagonal Barrel: The octagonal profile adds weight forward for a steadier hold and helps manage the .45 Long Colt recoil. It also gives the rifle that classic Winchester profile.
- Straight Walnut Stock with Fixed Pistol Grip: The straight grip keeps your hand in a natural position for fast levering, while the walnut offers a warm, traditional look that doesn’t slip in wet hands.
- Blade Front and Buckhorn Rear Sights: These open sights are easy to acquire quickly, ideal for plinking, hunting, or competition. The buckhorn rear has a wide notch for fast target pickup.
- Chambered in .45 Long Colt: A versatile cartridge that works for target shooting, small-to-medium game, and even self-defense with the right loads. It’s a classic round that’s still widely available.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for three groups: Cowboy action shooters who want a reliable, smooth-running 1873 out of the box. Hunters who prefer a traditional lever-action for deer or hogs. Collectors and recreational shooters who appreciate the craftsmanship and history of the Winchester 1873 design.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Factory-tuned action saves you $100–$200 in aftermarket smithing. The lever is noticeably smoother than standard 1873 reproductions.
- Pro: .45 Long Colt is a low-pressure round that’s easy on brass and pleasant to shoot all day.
- Con: The buckhorn rear sight can snag on clothing or gear during carry. Some shooters prefer a tang sight for precision work, which would be an additional purchase.
Comparison vs. Other Lever Actions
| Feature | Taylors & Company 1873 | Henry Big Boy .45 Colt | Marlin 1894 .45 Colt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Taylor Tuned (polished & lightened springs) | Standard lever, no factory tuning | Standard lever, no factory tuning |
| Barrel | 20″ octagonal, blued | 20″ round, blued | 20″ round, stainless or blued |
| Stock | Straight walnut, fixed pistol grip | Straight walnut, fixed pistol grip | Pistol grip walnut, checkered |
| Sights | Blade front, buckhorn rear | Blade front, buckhorn rear | Fiber optic front, adjustable rear |
| Weight | ~8.5 lbs | ~8.7 lbs | ~7.5 lbs |
| Price | $1,847.15 | $1,299.00 | $1,549.00 |
Compared to the Henry Big Boy, the Taylors 1873 offers a smoother action out of the box but costs more. Against the Marlin 1894, the Marlin is lighter and has better sights, but the Taylors has a more traditional look and the tuned action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the .45 Long Colt good for hunting?
Yes. With proper loads (e.g., 250-grain soft points), the .45 Long Colt is effective on deer-sized game out to 100 yards. The 20-inch barrel gives decent velocity for the cartridge.
Does the Taylor Tuned action make a big difference?
Yes. The hand-polishing and lighter springs reduce lever effort by about 30–40% compared to a standard 1873. It’s noticeable during rapid fire or extended shooting sessions.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
This model comes with open sights only. You’d need a side-mount or a tang-mounted peep sight for optics. The receiver is not drilled and tapped for a scope base from the factory.
Is this rifle safe to shoot with modern .45 Colt ammo?
Yes. Taylors & Company builds these to SAAMI specs for .45 Long Colt. Stick to standard-pressure loads (not +P) for best longevity and safety.
Ready to Own This Classic?
This Taylors & Company 1873 Rifle .45 Long Colt 20″ Walnut is in stock now. Whether you’re stepping into cowboy action shooting or adding a heritage piece to your safe, this rifle delivers on looks and performance. Browse more Lever Action Rifles or check out our full Firearms collection.
Order with confidence:
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
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