The Winchester 1873 Sporter in .44-40 Win is a genuine lever-action rifle built on the platform that defined the American frontier. This isn't a reproduction or a modern reinterpretation—it's the real deal, carrying forward over 150 years of Winchester's commitment to the design that earned the title "The Gun That Won the West." With its octagon barrel, satin oil-finished walnut stock, and classic blued steel crescent buttplate, this rifle delivers authentic period character without compromise. Whether you're a serious collector, a lever-gun enthusiast, or someone who appreciates firearms history in working condition, the 1873 Sporter bridges nostalgia and practical shooting.
The .44-40 Winchester cartridge is steeped in Western heritage—the same round that loaded the original 1873s over a century ago. This rifle's 14-round capacity and 24-inch octagon barrel strike the balance Winchester found between handling and velocity that made the design legendary. The semi-buckhorn rear sight paired with a brass bead front sight (Marble Arms gold bead option) puts you on target in a way that feels honest: no batteries, no adjustments, just the fundamentals. For shooters who want to explore a classic caliber with equally classic iron sights, the 1873 Sporter offers a genuinely immersive experience.
Build quality matters in a rifle this iconic. The walnut stock is fitted with a satin oil finish that develops character with use, while the steel receiver and barrel are finished in classic blued steel. The straight-grip stock and curved buttplate fit naturally against your shoulder—geometry that proved itself across generations of American shooting. The lever action cycles smoothly, and a steel loading gate keeps feeding straightforward and reliable. If you want a rifle that connects you to shooting history and performs in the field or at the range, the Winchester 1873 Sporter is built to be both.
| Caliber | .44-40 Win |
| Action Type | Lever |
| Barrel Length | 24 inches |
| Overall Length | 43 inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 14 rounds |
| Weight | 7 lbs 8 oz |
| Barrel Type | Octagon |
| Barrel Twist | 1:26 |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Stock Finish | Satin Oil |
| Metal Finish | Blued Steel |
| Rear Sight | Semi-Buckhorn |
| Front Sight | Brass Bead |
| Buttplate | Blued Steel Crescent |
This is a genuine Winchester Repeating Arms Model 1873 Sporter—built by Winchester on the original design. It's not a foreign-made copy; it carries the authentic Winchester name and manufacture.
.44-40 Winchester is a historic cartridge that was paired with the original 1873 rifles. Modern ammunition is available from major manufacturers and specialty retailers. Because of its heritage and specific use, availability can be more limited than common calibers, so it's worth confirming supply before purchasing.
The receiver is drilled and tapped for an optional tang-mounted rear sight, which allows for greater precision. However, the rifle is designed for and excels with iron sights. Scope mounting would require aftermarket solutions and may alter the rifle's classic lines—many shooters prefer to keep this rifle in its authentic configuration.
The Winchester 1873 Sporter you're looking at features an octagon barrel, which is the classic profile associated with the original 1873 design. This octagon shape is part of the rifle's iconic aesthetic and historical accuracy.
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.
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Winchester
Winchester
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