In the November 2015 issue of American Shooting Journal, Contributing Editor Bob Shell gave a new Model 1873 lever-action rifle chambered in 357 Magnum from Winchester Repeating Arms an exhaustive workout on the range and came away impressed with this latest iteration of “The Gun that Won the West.”

“(They) have the feel of the older models – without the risks of shooting an antique.”

“The Winchester Model ’73 is known as the gun that won the West,” noted Shell. “It is not too surprising that this rifle is still being produced today, with very little variation from the original. Today’s Model 73(s)…are made in Japan by Miroku Corporation…and from my previous (experience they are more) affordable than the originals and have the feel of the older models – without the risks of shooting an antique.”

“Right out of the box the action is smooth and clearly shows handiwork was involved…”

“Right out of the box the action is smooth and clearly shows handiwork was involved in making these guns,” continued Shell. “It has a crescent-shaped stock, which aids in firing quick shots because it holds into the shoulder nicely.”

“The accuracy is good and recoil is mild even with a full-power hunting load.”

Along with the other shooters involved in Shell’s range test, the author found the Model 1873 reliable, accurate and easy to shoot. “In spite of the Model 73’s older design, it is still very popular and deservedly so,” concluded Shell. “I tried many hunting loads…and they all fed with no problems. The accuracy is good and recoil is mild even with a full-power hunting load. If you carry a .357 revolver as well, you will have a winning combo.”

“If you carry a .357 revolver as well, you will have a winning combo.”

You can read the entire Bob Shell article on the Model 1873 in the November 2015 issue of American Shooting Journal, available on your local newsstand, or you can subscribe online at americanshootingjournal.com

Today’s Model 1873 lever-action from Winchester Repeating Arms is available in several versions chambered in your choice of 357 Magnum, 44-40 WCF or 45 Colt.