Winchester 1873 Sporter .45 Long Colt 24-inch Octagon
About this product
The Winchester 1873 Sporter .45 Long Colt 24-inch Octagon is a faithful reproduction of the lever gun that won the West. Chambered in .45 Long Colt, this Sporter model pairs a full octagon 24-inch barrel with a color case-hardened receiver and satin-oiled walnut stock. It's built for cowboy action shooting, range days, and light hunting right out of the box.
| Manufacturer | Winchester Repeating Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Sporter |
| Material | Steel receiver and barrel, walnut stock |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt ammunition |
| Finish | Color case-hardened receiver, blued barrel |
| Weight | 8 lbs 4 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Full Octagon 24-Inch Barrel — This heavy barrel profile soaks up recoil and delivers the classic look and balance that made the 1873 famous. It also gives you a longer sight radius for precise shot placement.
- Color Case-Hardened Receiver — The traditional mottled finish is more than just a pretty face. It's a genuine heat-treatment that resists wear and adds durability to the action.
- Satin-Oiled Walnut Stock — Straight-grip stock with a satin oil finish gives you a secure hold in wet or dry conditions, and it feels like a real piece of history in your hands.
- Fixed Tubular Magazine — Holds up to 12 rounds of .45 Long Colt. The tube feed is fast and reliable, perfect for cowboy action stages or a day at the range.
- Traditional Buckhorn Sights — Rear buckhorn and front bead sight are easy to pick up and adjust. No batteries, no electronics—just solid iron sights that work every time.
Who It's For
This Winchester 1873 Sporter is for the shooter who wants an authentic lever-action experience without the collector price tag. It's a natural fit for cowboy action competitors who shoot .45 LC and need a reliable gun that runs fast. It also suits new gun owners looking to start with a classic, and families who want a range rifle that's fun to shoot and easy to handle.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Authentic 1873 lines and handling — you get the real deal, not a cheap copy.
- Pro: .45 Long Colt is a versatile round — light loads for plinking, heavy loads for deer hunting.
- Pro: Straight-grip stock points naturally and helps with fast follow-up shots.
- Con: No threaded barrel for suppressors — this is a traditional lever gun, not a modern tactical rig.
- Con: The octagon barrel adds weight up front, which some shooters find tiring after a long day.
Comparison
| Feature | Winchester 1873 Sporter | Zev Technologies OZ9 | Geissele Automatics Super Duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Lever action | Striker-fired semi-auto | Direct impingement semi-auto |
| Caliber | .45 Long Colt | 9mm | 5.56 NATO |
| Barrel Length | 24-inch octagon | 4.5-inch | 16-inch |
| Magazine | Tubular, 12 rounds | Detachable, 15+ rounds | Detachable, 30 rounds |
| Best For | Cowboy action, range, light hunting | Competition, home defense | Duty, tactical use |
FAQ
Is the Winchester 1873 Sporter safe to shoot with modern .45 Long Colt ammunition?
Yes, this rifle is built to handle standard-pressure .45 Long Colt loads from major manufacturers like Remington and Winchester. Per Winchester specs, it is not rated for +P ammunition.
Does this model come with a tang safety?
No, the 1873 Sporter uses the original half-cock safety notch on the hammer. It's a traditional design that's simple and reliable once you learn the manual of arms.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
This model is drilled and tapped for a tang-mounted peep sight, but it is not pre-drilled for a scope. Most cowboy action shooters prefer the factory open sights.
What is the overall length of the 24-inch octagon version?
Overall length is 43 inches. It balances well for off-hand shooting and fits standard gun safes.
How does the action compare to the original 1873?
This reproduction uses modern steel and CNC machining for smoother cycling and better durability than the original. It still uses the toggle-link action, so it's authentic in feel.
Ready to Order
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
See more lever action rifles in our Lever Action Rifles category, or browse Cowboy Action Shooting Gear and All Firearms.
Last updated: April 2026