If you’ve been looking for an 1873 saddle rifle 18 inch 357 that feels like it just came off the set of a John Wayne western, this is it. I’ve had a few of these through the shop over the years, and this 18-inch model in .357 Magnum is a favorite for good reason – it handles like a dream, loads quick, and that shorter barrel makes it a natural for the range or the truck rack. Per the manufacturer specs, this is a faithful reproduction of the original Winchester 1873, built with modern steel and chambered for the versatile .357, meaning you can also shoot .38 Special through it for cheaper plinking. It’s a solid piece of history you can actually use every day.
| Manufacturer | Winchester Repeating Arms (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Saddle Rifle |
| Material | Steel receiver, walnut stock |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Finish | Blued steel, polished brass (per manufacturer specs) |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 18-inch barrel length: Why it matters – this shorter barrel makes the rifle easy to handle in tight spaces, like a truck cab or a shooting lane, without losing accuracy. I’ve seen guys ring steel at 100 yards with iron sights all day long.
- .357 Magnum / .38 Special chambering: Why it matters – you get the power of .357 for hunting or defense, plus the option to shoot cheap .38 Special for practice. That’s two calibers in one gun, and it saves you money at the range.
- Lever-action mechanism: Why it matters – it’s fast, reliable, and iconic. A well-tuned lever gun like this one cycles smooth as butter, letting you put follow-up shots on target in a hurry.
- Walnut stock with brass accents: Why it matters – it looks the part of the Old West, but the walnut is tough and the brass won’t rust. It’s a gun you’ll be proud to show off, and it holds up to real use.
Who It’s For
This 1873 saddle rifle is for the shooter who wants a piece of history that still works hard. It’s a great fit for cowboy action shooters, folks who hunt deer or hogs with a lever gun, and anyone who just appreciates a well-made rifle. New gun owners will find the .357 recoil manageable, and the action is easy to learn. It’s also a solid choice for families who want a fun range gun that won’t break the bank on ammo.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Classic look, reliable action, shoots both .357 and .38 Special, manageable recoil, 18-inch barrel is handy in the field.
- Cons: The brass receiver can show wear over time if you don’t keep it wiped down – it’s not a big deal, but it’s something to know going in. Also, the rear sight is a basic buckhorn, so you might want a tang sight for longer shots.
Comparison vs. Other Lever Actions
| Feature | Winchester 1873 Saddle Rifle 18 inch .357 | Marlin 1894 Classic .357 | Henry Big Boy .357 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 18 inches | 18.5 inches | 20 inches |
| Action | Lever action, toggle-link | Lever action, solid bolt | Lever action, solid bolt |
| Capacity | 10 rounds (per manufacturer specs) | 9 rounds | 10 rounds |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs | 7.5 lbs | 8.5 lbs |
| Receiver | Brass (polished) | Blued steel | Brass or blued steel |
| Price | $1,597.93 | $1,199.00 | $1,050.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the barrel twist rate on this 1873 saddle rifle?
Per the manufacturer specs, the barrel has a 1:16-inch twist rate, which is standard for .357 Magnum lever actions. It stabilizes both 125-grain and 158-grain bullets well.
Can I shoot .38 Special through this rifle without any issues?
Yes, you can. The rifle is chambered for .357 Magnum, but it will safely fire .38 Special rounds. Just be aware that .38 Special may not cycle as reliably in some lever actions due to lower pressure, but this model handles it fine with most factory loads. I’d recommend running a few boxes to see what your rifle likes.
Is this a true replica of the original Winchester 1873?
It’s a modern reproduction made by Winchester Repeating Arms, using modern steel and manufacturing methods. The external design is faithful to the original, but the internal parts are updated for durability. It’s as close as you’ll get to the real deal without buying a museum piece.
How many rounds does the magazine tube hold?
Per the manufacturer specs, the magazine tube holds 10 rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special. That’s plenty for a day at the range or a cowboy action stage.
Ready to Own This Piece of History?
This 1873 saddle rifle 18 inch 357 is in stock and ready to ship. Over 541,000 of the original Winchesters were made before 1900, and this modern version carries that same legacy. Whether you’re a collector, a shooter, or just want a fun rifle for the weekend, this is a solid choice. Order yours today.
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
Browse more lever action rifles in our Lever Action Rifles category, or check out our .357 Magnum Ammunition and Gun Safes sections.
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