Winchester 1873 Sporter 24″ Octagon .357 Mag / .38 Spl
Specs at a glance
About this product
If you've been looking for a lever gun that balances old-school craftsmanship with a practical modern chambering, the Winchester 1873 Sporter 24″ Octagon .357 Mag / .38 Spl is exactly what you need. This is the same classic action that won the West, now built for today's shooter with a 24-inch full octagon barrel, polished blued finish, and a color case hardened receiver. Chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, it's a versatile rifle that works for plinking, hunting, or just enjoying a day at the range. Per Winchester Repeating Arms, this is a faithful reproduction of the original 1873, made right here in the USA.
| Manufacturer | Winchester Repeating Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Sporter |
| Material | Grade II/III Walnut stock, steel receiver and barrel |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Finish | Polished blued barrel and magazine tube; color case hardened receiver |
| Weight | Approx. 8.2 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 24-inch Octagon Barrel — Why it matters: The longer barrel gives you a full-length sight radius for precision shooting, and the octagon profile adds classic heft that soaks up recoil, making follow-up shots smoother.
- Dual-Caliber Chambering (.357 Mag / .38 Spl) — Why it matters: Shoot inexpensive .38 Special for plinking and practice, then load .357 Magnum for hunting or defense — one rifle, two personalities.
- Color Case Hardened Receiver — Why it matters: This isn't just a cosmetic touch; the case hardening provides a durable, wear-resistant surface that also gives each receiver a unique, handcrafted look.
- Gold Bead Front Sight & Semi-Buckhorn Rear — Why it matters: The gold bead catches light fast for quick target acquisition, while the buckhorn rear offers precise windage and elevation adjustments for zeroing.
- Drilled & Tapped Top Tang — Why it matters: You can easily add an optional tang-mounted rear peep sight for a finer sight picture without drilling or gunsmithing — just screw it on and go.
Who It's For
This rifle is built for the shooter who appreciates tradition but wants a practical, usable caliber. It's perfect for the cowboy action competitor, the varmint hunter who needs a light-recoiling rifle for long days in the field, or the family looking for a fun, safe lever gun to teach new shooters. If you're a new gun owner, the mild .38 Special recoil and simple lever action make this an easy rifle to learn on.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Authentic 1873 design with modern metallurgy — reliable and accurate right out of the box.
- Pro: Versatile caliber choice saves money on ammo (shoot .38 Spl all day).
- Con: The 24-inch octagon barrel makes the rifle a bit front-heavy — not ideal for quick off-hand shooting in tight quarters, but excellent for bench rest or hunting from a stand.
Comparison
| Feature | Winchester 1873 Sporter (this rifle) | Marlin 1894 CST | Henry Big Boy Steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl |
| Barrel Length | 24″ octagon | 16.5″ threaded | 20″ round |
| Action Type | Toggle-link (original 1873) | Side-eject (Marlin) | Side-gate (Henry) |
| Stock Material | Grade II/III Walnut | Black laminate | Walnut |
| Weight | ~8.2 lbs | ~6.5 lbs | ~7.3 lbs |
| Sights | Gold bead front, semi-buckhorn rear | Fiber optic front, adjustable rear | Fiber optic front, adjustable rear |
| MSRP | $1,725.86 | $1,199 | $1,050 |
FAQ
Is this a real Winchester 1873 or a replica?
This is a genuine Winchester Repeating Arms reproduction made in the USA. It's built to the original 1873 specs but uses modern steel and manufacturing processes for reliability and safety with .357 Magnum pressures.
Can I shoot .38 Special out of this rifle?
Yes, absolutely. The rifle is chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special. You can safely shoot .38 Special for lower recoil and cheaper practice, or .357 Magnum for full power. Just clean the chamber after shooting .38 Special to prevent carbon buildup.
Does this rifle come with a scope mount?
No, it's set up for iron sights only. The top tang is drilled and tapped for an optional tang-mounted rear sight (like a Lyman or Marble's), but there are no scope mounts included or recommended for this classic design.
What is the barrel twist rate?
The barrel has a 1:16″ twist rate, which is standard for .357 Magnum lever actions. This stabilizes both 158-grain .357 loads and 125-grain .38 Special bullets effectively.
Is this rifle legal in my state?
Yes, it's a lever-action rifle with a 24-inch barrel and a 10+1 round capacity (when using .38 Spl in the tube). It's legal in all 50 states, including California, New York, and Massachusetts — no restrictions.
Ready to Order
This Winchester 1873 Sporter 24″ Octagon .357 Mag / .38 Spl is in stock and ready to ship. It's a rifle that will last a lifetime and pass down to the next generation. Whether you're a cowboy action shooter, a hunter, or just want a beautiful lever gun for the range, this is the one.
✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✔ Ships 1-2 business days
✔ 30-day returns
✔ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, lever-action rifles account for nearly 12% of all rifle sales in the U.S., with the .357 Mag / .38 Spl being the most popular caliber for versatility.