Winchester 1873 Short Rifle Color .45 Colt Lever Action Oil
- Capacity-Rounds:
- 10
- Caliber-Gauge:
- 45 Colt (LC)
- Hand:
- Right Hand
- Barrel Length:
- 20"
- Barrel Length Range:
- 20" to 21.99"
- OAL:
- 39"
- Trigger:
- Standard
- Weight:
- 7.40 lbs
- Metal Finish Group:
- Color Case Hardened
- Action:
- Lever
- Muzzle:
- Crowned
- Receiver Material:
- Steel
- Safety:
- Hammer
- Stock Finish Group:
- Brown
- Twist:
- 1:26"
- Stock Description:
- Fixed Straight Grip
- Metal Finish:
- Case Hardened Receiver/Blued Barrel
- Sights:
- Bead Front/Semi-Buckhorn Rear
- Weight Range:
- 7 lbs to 7.99 lbs
- Barrel Description:
- 20" Round
The Winchester 1873 Short Rifle in .45 Colt is a lever-action rifle that brings genuine Old West heritage to your hands. This isn't a modern re-imagining—it's a faithful reproduction of one of the most iconic firearms in American history, chambered in the classic .45 Colt cartridge. With a 20-inch barrel and 10-round capacity, it strikes the balance between maneuverability and firepower that made the original 1873 a legend. Whether you're a serious collector, a cowboy action competitor, or someone who simply appreciates authentic firearms craftsmanship, this Winchester delivers both mechanical reliability and nostalgic appeal.
The rifle comes dressed in period-correct details: an oiled walnut straight-grip stock with a satin finish that feels as good as it looks, blued steel construction throughout, and a steel crescent buttplate that nestles comfortably in your shoulder. The semi-buckhorn rear sight pairs with a brass bead front sight, giving you a proven sight picture that works at practical hunting and sport-shooting distances. The loading gate and full-length magazine tube are engineered for smooth, reliable feeding of .45 Colt ammunition, and the receiver's rear tang is drilled and tapped if you want to add a tang-mounted rear sight for finer precision.
This lever-action rifle weighs 7 pounds 4 ounces and measures 39 inches overall—compact enough to handle in brush or from horseback, but substantial enough to feel like the real deal. The 1:26 twist rate is optimized for the .45 Colt cartridge. If you're looking for a rifle with genuine historical pedigree and practical functionality rolled into one package, the Winchester 1873 in this classic configuration delivers both.
Key Features
- Lever-action mechanism with smooth, proven reliability
- Oiled walnut straight-grip stock with satin finish
- Blued steel construction throughout
- Steel crescent buttplate
- Semi-buckhorn rear sight and brass bead front sight
- Full-length magazine tube holds 10 rounds of .45 Colt
- Steel loading gate for smooth ammunition feeding
- Receiver rear tang drilled and tapped for optional sight upgrades
Specifications
| Caliber | .45 Colt |
| Action Type | Lever |
| Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches |
| Overall Length | 39 inches |
| Weight | 7 lb 4 oz |
| Finish | Blued steel |
| Stock Material | Oiled walnut |
| Rear Sight | Semi-buckhorn |
| Front Sight | Brass bead |
| Twist Rate | 1:26 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Winchester 1873 Short Rifle suitable for cowboy action shooting?
Yes. The lever-action mechanism, .45 Colt chambering, semi-buckhorn rear sight, and brass bead front sight all align with cowboy action competition standards. The 10-round capacity and smooth loading gate are designed for reliable performance in that discipline.
Can I add a different rear sight to this rifle?
The receiver rear tang is drilled and tapped for an optional tang-mounted rear sight, allowing you to upgrade your sight picture for greater precision if desired.
What does the oiled walnut stock mean?
The stock is finished with a satin oil finish, which protects the wood while maintaining its natural appearance and feel. This traditional finish is smooth to the touch and develops character over time with use.
Is this a modern reproduction or an original Winchester?
This is a modern reproduction manufactured by Winchester Repeating Arms, faithfully designed to match the specifications and appearance of the historic Model 1873. It combines that classic aesthetic with modern manufacturing standards.
Firearm Shipments:
To buy rifles or shotguns, you must be 18 years old, and for handguns, actions, or receivers, the minimum age is 21. By placing an order for this firearm, you confirm that you are the legitimate transferee/buyer, meet the legal age requirements, and comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations necessary to purchase this firearm.
We only ship firearms to valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders. At checkout we provide a FFL locator for your convenience.
We will need a copy of the FFL’s license to facilitate the process, kindly request your dealer to email us a copy of their FFL, as we cannot dispatch the firearm until we receive this document. It is imperative for the buyer to choose their FFL dealer, ensure they are willing to facilitate the transfer, and have them email their FFL copy to BOSQUE Outdoors. To avoid any confusion, the customer's name or order number must be mentioned in the email containing the FFL.
Email: [email protected]
- Prior to placing an order, it is the buyer's responsibility to understand and adhere to their state's firearm regulations.
- The buyer should verify with their receiving dealer that the chosen firearm is legally permissible in their state.
- The buyer is accountable for any transfer fees or background check charges imposed by the receiving dealer. If the designated dealer declines to accept the firearm delivery, the buyer assumes responsibility for shipping costs to retrieve the firearm and resend it to an accommodating dealer.
- Handguns will be shipped using air transportation, while long guns can be shipped using ground methods. If your order includes a mix of firearm and non-firearm items, BOSQUE Outdoors will send the firearm(s) to your selected FFL dealer and the remaining non-firearm items to your billing address.
- Firearms cannot be returned to BOSQUE Outdoors; please contact the manufacturer for warranty claims.
- Firearms refused by the FFL Dealer or which cannot be transferred due to a failed background check are subject to a $75 restocking fee plus 10% of the purchase price.

