Taylors & Company 1866 Sporting .38 Spl Lever Action - 201E

The Taylors & Company 1866 Sporting lever action rifle in .38 Special is a classic reproduction that brings Old West handling and reliability to modern shooters. Chambered in the mild-mannered .38 Spl cartridge, this Model 201E delivers the timeless appeal of a Winchester-style lever gun in a package that's genuinely practical for sport shooting, hunting small game and varmints, or just enjoying some authentic rifle craft at the range. At 7.59 lbs with a 20-inch octagonal barrel, it balances nostalgia with real-world shootability.

What sets this rifle apart is its straightforward design: a forged brass frame paired with a blue barrel, walnut straight-grip stock, and a 10-round capacity that keeps you in the field or on the line without constant reloading. The adjustable rear sight and front blade sight are traditional setups that work reliably and need no batteries or zeroing adjustments. The 20-inch octagonal barrel is the sweet spot for lever gun fans—short enough for quick handling in brush or tight quarters, long enough to wring decent velocity from .38 Spl loads. Overall length sits at 38.87 inches, making it trim and maneuverable compared to longer modern rifles.

Taylors & Company has built a solid reputation for historically accurate reproductions that don't sacrifice function for form. Whether you're drawn to lever actions by heritage, shooting sports tradition, or just prefer the mechanical simplicity and charm of a hand-operated action, the 1866 Sporting offers genuine value. It's the kind of rifle that rewards good fundamentals and lets you focus on marksmanship instead of fighting modern ergonomics.

Key Features

• 10-round lever action capacity for sustained shooting sessions
• 20-inch octagonal barrel in classic profile
• Forged brass frame with blue barrel finish
• Walnut straight-grip stock for period-correct handling
• Adjustable rear and front blade sights—no electronics, no fuss
• Compact overall length of 38.87 inches for quick maneuverability
• Chambered in .38 Special—mild recoil, wide ammunition availability

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a lever action rifle and why choose one?

A lever action rifle uses a under-barrel lever you work with your trigger hand to chamber each round—it's fast, fun, mechanically simple, and iconic in American shooting tradition. The 1866 design is the real deal: reliable, intuitive, and surprisingly quick in practiced hands. Great for hunting, sport shooting, or anyone who appreciates hands-on firearm mechanics.

Is .38 Special a good hunting and shooting cartridge?

Absolutely. .38 Spl is a mild, manageable cartridge with minimal recoil, making it ideal for sport shooting, small game, and varmints. Ammunition is widely available and affordable, so you can shoot plenty without breaking the budget. It's also excellent for shooters building lever-action fundamentals.

What sights come standard on the 1866 Sporting?

The rifle is equipped with an adjustable rear sight and a front blade sight. Both are functional and period-correct—no batteries, no optics mounts required. Many owners add aftermarket scopes via drilled and tapped receiver options if they choose, but the iron sights work straight out of the box.

Will this rifle work with standard .38 Special ammunition?

Yes. The Model 201E is chambered in .38 Special, so it accepts standard commercial .38 Spl ammunition and reloads. Always verify your ammunition against your rifle's marked chambering before loading.