Taylors and Company 1866 Uberti 45 Colt 20″ Octagon 10+1

If you’ve been looking for a taylors and company 1866 uberti 45 colt 20″ octagon 10+1, you’ve found the real deal. This is the full-size lever-action that made the “Yellowboy” famous, and it’s chambered in the classic .45 Colt (Long Colt). The forged brass frame and 20-inch octagonal barrel give it that unmistakable look, while the walnut straight stock feels right at home in your hands. Whether you’re stepping up to the line at a cowboy action match or just want a piece of history on the range, this rifle delivers.

Manufacturer	Taylors and Company (Uberti)
Model	1866 “Yellowboy”
Material	Forged brass frame, blued steel barrel, walnut stock
Compatibility	.45 Colt (Long Colt) ammunition
Finish	Blued barrel with polished brass receiver
Weight	Approximately 8.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Forged Brass Frame: This isn’t a cheap casting — it’s a proper forged brass receiver that gives the rifle its classic “Yellowboy” look and adds durability where it counts. Why it matters: You get authentic period-correct styling that holds up to years of shooting.
• 20″ Octagonal Barrel: The blued octagon barrel is a hallmark of the 1866 design and provides a longer sight radius for better accuracy. Why it matters: That extra length and flat-sided profile help you stay on target shot after shot.
• Walnut Straight Stock: Oil-finished American walnut with a straight grip keeps the traditional feel and gives you a solid cheek weld. Why it matters: No slip, no fuss — just a natural point of aim that works for shooters of all sizes.
• Dovetail Sights: Buckhorn rear and blade front, both dovetailed into the barrel. Why it matters: You can drift them for windage or swap them out for a tang sight without any gunsmithing.
• 10+1 Capacity: The tubular magazine holds ten rounds, plus one in the chamber. Why it matters: That’s enough firepower for a full stage in cowboy action without reloading.

Who It’s For

This rifle is built for the shooter who appreciates history but still wants a gun that runs. Cowboy action competitors will love the smooth lever throw and reliable feeding. New gun owners who want something different from the usual bolt-action or AR will find the 1866 easy to learn and fun to shoot. And if you’re a collector, the Uberti fit and finish are hard to beat at this price point.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Authentic brass frame and octagon barrel; smooth action right out of the box; .45 Colt is a pleasure to shoot (light recoil, big punch); easy to maintain and clean.

Cons: The brass receiver will show wear and patina over time — some folks love that, but if you want a mirror finish forever, you’ll need to polish it regularly.

Comparison

Feature	Taylors 1866 Uberti .45 Colt	Zev Technologies AR-15	Geissele Super Duty Rifle
Action Type	Lever-action	Semi-auto direct impingement	Semi-auto direct impingement
Caliber	.45 Colt	5.56 NATO	5.56 NATO
Barrel Length	20″ octagon	16″ pencil or fluted	14.5″ or 16″
Capacity	10+1	30-round magazine	30-round magazine
Frame Material	Brass	7075-T6 aluminum	7075-T6 aluminum
Best Use	Cowboy action, historic shooting, plinking	Tactical, competition, home defense	Duty, competition, precision

FAQ

Is this rifle safe to shoot with modern .45 Colt ammunition?

Yes. Uberti builds these to modern SAAMI specs, so standard-pressure .45 Colt loads are perfectly fine. Stick to factory ammunition rated for lever-action rifles, and you’re good to go.

Will the brass frame tarnish or turn green?

Brass naturally darkens and develops a patina over time, especially with handling. Some shooters love the aged look. If you prefer it shiny, a quick polish with a brass cleaner brings it back. No green discoloration with normal use.

Can I mount a scope on this rifle?

This model comes with open sights only, and the receiver isn’t drilled and tapped for a scope mount. Most folks shoot it with the factory buckhorn rear and blade front. If you want optics, you’d need a tang-mounted peep sight or a custom gunsmith job.

What kind of groups can I expect at 50 yards?

With good factory ammunition and a steady rest, you can expect 2-3 inch groups at 50 yards. That’s plenty for cowboy action targets and general plinking. The octagon barrel helps keep things consistent.

Why Buy From Us

• ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
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Last updated: April 2026

According to industry data, lever-action rifles account for nearly 12% of all new rifle sales in the U.S. — and the 1866 is one of the most popular reproductions on the market.

See more in our Lever Action Rifles category, or check out our Cowboy Action Shooting gear.