The Winchester 1873 Deluxe Sporting .45 Long Colt 24″ is a heritage-style lever-action rifle that brings Old West craftsmanship to your hands. This model features a 24-inch half-octagon/half-round barrel, a carved Grade V/VI walnut stock with an oil finish, and a color case-hardened receiver with gloss blued barrel. It’s built for traditional sporting and range use, with modern touches like a drilled and tapped top tang and a top-tang safety.
| Manufacturer | Winchester Repeating Arms (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Deluxe Sporting |
| Material | Steel barrel and receiver; Grade V/VI walnut stock |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt ammunition |
| Finish | Color case-hardened receiver; gloss blued steel barrel |
| Weight | Approximately 8 lbs 4 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 24-inch Half-Octagon/Half-Round Barrel – Why it matters: This classic profile balances accuracy with a traditional look, reducing muzzle flip for smoother follow-up shots at the range.
- Carved Grade V/VI Walnut Stock with Oil Finish – Why it matters: The deep, hand-carved checkering gives you a secure grip in wet or sweaty conditions, while the oil finish protects the wood without making it slippery.
- Color Case-Hardened Receiver and Gloss Blued Barrel – Why it matters: The color case hardening resists wear and adds a distinct, mottled patina that gets better with age; the gloss blued barrel protects against rust and looks sharp.
- Top-Tang Safety and Drilled/Tapped Tang – Why it matters: The tang-mounted safety lets you keep the hammer down on a loaded chamber, and the pre-drilled holes mean you can add a tang-mounted peep sight without a gunsmith.
- Chambered in .45 Long Colt – Why it matters: This classic cowboy caliber offers mild recoil for new shooters, yet delivers enough punch for deer or hogs at moderate ranges.
Who It’s For
This Winchester 1873 is for the shooter who wants a piece of history they can actually use. It’s ideal for cowboy action shooting, weekend plinking, and deer hunting inside 100 yards. New gun owners will appreciate the smooth lever throw and manageable recoil, while collectors will value the Grade V/VI wood and case-hardened finish.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Authentic 1873 design with modern safety features; beautiful Grade V/VI walnut stock; color case-hardened receiver is both durable and attractive; smooth action out of the box; drilled and tapped for tang sights.
- Cons: The gloss blued barrel shows fingerprints and scratches more than a matte finish; the .45 Long Colt has a rainbow trajectory past 75 yards, so it’s not a long-range rifle. Also, this model is heavier than a standard 1873, which can be tiring for all-day carry.
Comparison
| Feature | Winchester 1873 Deluxe Sporting (This Rifle) | Marlin 1894 Classic | Henry Big Boy Steel .45 Colt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 24 inches (half-octagon/half-round) | 20 inches (round) | 20 inches (round) |
| Stock | Grade V/VI carved walnut, oil finish | American black walnut, satin finish | American walnut, satin finish |
| Finish | Color case-hardened receiver, gloss blued barrel | Blued steel | Blued steel |
| Weight | ~8 lbs 4 oz | ~6 lbs 12 oz | ~7 lbs 2 oz |
| Safety | Top-tang safety | Cross-bolt safety | Transfer bar safety |
| Price | ~$2,005 | ~$1,100 | ~$950 |
FAQ
What caliber does the Winchester 1873 Deluxe Sporting use?
It uses .45 Long Colt, also called .45 Colt. This is a traditional revolver cartridge that works great in lever guns. You can shoot standard-pressure loads or cowboy loads for plinking.
Is the Winchester 1873 Deluxe Sporting safe for modern .45 Colt +P ammo?
No. Winchester recommends using only standard-pressure .45 Colt ammunition. Do not use +P or +P+ loads, as they can damage the action or cause unsafe pressure. Stick to factory loads rated for 14,000 psi or less.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
This model is drilled and tapped on the top tang, but not on the receiver. You can install a tang-mounted peep sight or a long-eye-relief scope using a tang mount. A traditional receiver scope mount is not available without drilling additional holes.
How does the half-octagon/half-round barrel affect accuracy?
The half-octagon section adds stiffness near the receiver, which can improve consistency. The round portion near the muzzle keeps weight down. In practice, this barrel gives you about 1.5 to 2 MOA at 50 yards with good ammo—plenty for hunting or target shooting.
Is this rifle suitable for left-handed shooters?
Yes. The top-tang safety and lever action are ambidextrous. The stock has a slight cast-off for right-handers, but lefties can still shoot comfortably with practice. The loading gate is on the right side, which is the same for all lever guns.
Why Buy From Us?
- ✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✔ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✔ 30-day returns
- ✔ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026. According to NSSF data, lever-action rifles account for about 8% of all new rifle sales in the U.S., with the .45 Colt being the second most popular chambering after .357 Magnum.
See more in: Lever Action Rifles | Winchester Rifles | .45 Colt Ammo
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