The Enduring Legacy: Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle in .357 Magnum

Are you searching for a firearm that embodies classic American history while offering modern-day reliability and versatility? Do you admire the craftsmanship of a bygone era but demand the performance expected from a contemporary rifle? For enthusiasts of classic firearms, competitors in Cowboy Action Shooting, or even hunters seeking a reliable lever-action rifle for small to medium game, the Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle chambered in .357 Magnum stands as an exemplary choice. This meticulously crafted reproduction is more than just a firearm; it's a tangible piece of history designed for today's shooter, offering an unparalleled blend of authenticity, elegant aesthetics, and robust performance.

This rifle isn't just for collectors; it's for anyone who wants to experience the smooth, satisfying operation of a lever-action firearm that harks back to the American Old West. Whether you're a seasoned competitor in SASS events looking for an edge, a re-enactor committed to historical accuracy, or simply someone who appreciates the art and engineering of a truly iconic rifle, the Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle provides an answer to the question: "What is the best way to own a piece of the past that still performs in the present?"

A Journey Back in Time: The Heritage of the 1873 Sporting Rifle

To truly appreciate the Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle, one must understand its legendary predecessor: the Winchester Model 1873. Often hailed as "The Gun That Won the West," the original 1873 rifle played a pivotal role in American expansion, equipping settlers, cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws alike. Its rapid-fire capability for the era, combined with its robust construction and availability in popular pistol calibers, made it an indispensable tool for survival and prosperity on the frontier. The design, featuring a toggle-link action, was a marvel of 19th-century engineering, allowing for smooth and efficient cycling of cartridges.

Taylors & Company, renowned for their dedication to historical accuracy and quality manufacturing, meticulously recreates this iconic rifle. Their 1873 Sporting Rifle isn't merely inspired by the original; it aims to replicate its essence and functionality with modern precision. This commitment to authenticity ensures that when you hold a Taylors & Company 1873, you're not just holding a rifle; you're connecting with a significant chapter in American history. It solves the problem of finding a historically accurate reproduction that meets contemporary standards of reliability and safety.

Unpacking the Features: What Makes the Taylors & Company 1873 Stand Out?

The Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle (model 200F) is distinguished by a suite of features that blend historical accuracy with practical performance, making it a highly desirable firearm for various applications.

The Versatile .357 Magnum Chambering

One of the most appealing aspects of this rifle is its chambering in .357 Magnum. This choice is incredibly practical for several reasons:

• Dual-Caliber Capability: The .357 Magnum rifle can also safely and reliably chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges. This versatility is a major advantage for shooters. For target practice, plinking, or training, affordable and milder recoil .38 Special ammunition is ideal. When more power is needed for hunting or self-defense, the .357 Magnum delivers impressive ballistics from a rifle-length barrel, benefiting from increased velocity and energy compared to a handgun.
• Commonality: Both .357 Magnum and .38 Special are widely available, making ammunition acquisition convenient.
• Performance: From a 20-inch rifle barrel, the .357 Magnum gains significant velocity, transforming it into a capable round for deer, hogs, and other medium-sized game at moderate ranges, expanding the rifle's utility beyond just sport shooting.

The Distinctive 20-Inch Octagon Barrel

The rifle features a 20-inch octagon barrel, a hallmark of traditional sporting rifles and a significant element of its classic aesthetic.

• Accuracy: The heavier profile of an octagon barrel often contributes to greater rigidity and stability, which can enhance accuracy by reducing barrel harmonics.
• Heat Dissipation: The increased surface area of an octagon barrel allows for more efficient heat dissipation during prolonged shooting sessions, helping to maintain accuracy as the barrel warms up.
• Aesthetics: Beyond its functional benefits, the octagon barrel provides a visually striking and historically accurate appearance, immediately distinguishing it as a quality reproduction of a classic rifle.

Smooth and Reliable Toggle-Link Action

The heart of the 1873 rifle is its toggle-link action, a system renowned for its incredibly smooth operation.

• Fluid Cycling: Users consistently praise the effortless feel of cycling the lever, which is crucial for rapid follow-up shots in competitive scenarios like Cowboy Action Shooting. The action is designed to be intuitive and precise, minimizing effort for the shooter.
• Durability: While seemingly intricate, the toggle-link mechanism is surprisingly robust and durable when properly maintained, offering years of reliable service.
• Historical Authenticity: Replicating this specific action is key to capturing the true spirit and feel of the original Winchester 1873, differentiating it from later lever-action designs.

Exquisite Walnut Furniture and Color Case Hardened Finish

The rifle's aesthetic appeal is significantly enhanced by its premium materials and finishes.

• Walnut Stock and Forend: The rifle boasts a beautiful walnut stock and forend. Walnut is prized for its strength, rich grain patterns, and ability to be finely checkered or finished, providing both a comfortable grip and a touch of classic elegance. The natural variations in the wood grain ensure that each rifle is subtly unique.
• Color Case Hardened Receiver: The receiver features a genuine color case hardened finish. This traditional process not only imparts incredible strength and durability to the steel but also creates a unique, vibrant, and iridescent pattern of blues, purples, yellows, and browns. No two case-hardened finishes are identical, making each rifle a one-of-a-kind work of art. This finish is a hallmark of high-quality, historically accurate reproductions.
• Blued Barrel: Complementing the case-hardened receiver, the 20-inch octagon barrel is finished with a deep, rich bluing, providing excellent corrosion resistance and a striking contrast to the receiver.

Generous 10+1 Round Capacity

With a tubular magazine capacity of 10 rounds plus one in the chamber, the Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle offers ample firepower for various applications.

• Competitive Shooting: This capacity is more than sufficient for most stages in Cowboy Action Shooting, allowing competitors to engage multiple targets without needing to reload frequently.
• Hunting: For hunting applications, a 10-round capacity provides peace of mind and allows for quick follow-up shots if necessary.
• Plinking & Range Use: Extended shooting sessions are more enjoyable with fewer interruptions for reloading.

Right Hand Orientation

The rifle is designed for right-handed shooters, with the loading gate and lever throw optimized for right-hand operation, ensuring a natural and ergonomic experience for the majority of users.

Why Choose the Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle (200F)?

For those considering a lever-action rifle, especially one with historical ties, the Taylors & Company 1873 offers compelling reasons to choose it:

• Authentic Experience: It's arguably the closest you can get to owning and shooting an original 1873 Winchester without the concerns of antique firearm condition or prohibitive cost. Taylors & Company’s commitment to historical accuracy is evident in every detail.
• Versatile Ammunition: The ability to fire both .357 Magnum and the more economical .38 Special significantly enhances its utility and appeal, making it suitable for a wider range of shooting activities and budgets.
• Exceptional Craftsmanship: The combination of a color case hardened receiver, blued octagon barrel, and genuine walnut furniture results in a rifle that is not only robust and reliable but also exceptionally beautiful. This rifle is built to be shot and admired for generations.
• Reliable Performance: Modern manufacturing techniques and quality control ensure that while it looks classic, it performs with the consistency and safety expected from a contemporary firearm.
• Investment in Enjoyment: Owning this rifle is an investment in a unique shooting experience, an appreciation for history, and a piece of functional art.

Ideal Use Cases for the Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle

This rifle is incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into several distinct categories of shooting and collecting:

• Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) / SASS Competitions: This is perhaps the most popular application. The smooth action, historical accuracy, and capacity make it an ideal choice for the rifle stages in SASS competitions, where speed and reliability are paramount. Many champions rely on the 1873 pattern for its proven performance.
• Hunting (Small/Medium): Chambered in .357 Magnum, this rifle becomes a highly effective tool for harvesting small to medium-sized game such as deer, wild hogs, and coyotes in areas where rifle hunting is permitted and at appropriate ranges. Its compact size and quick handling make it suitable for brush country.
• Target Shooting and Plinking: The enjoyment of shooting a lever-action rifle is immense. For range days, informal target practice, or just plinking, the Taylors & Company 1873 offers a satisfying and engaging experience, especially with the lighter recoil of .38 Special loads.
• Historical Reenactments and Collections: For historical enthusiasts and collectors, this rifle serves as a faithful and functional representation of an iconic piece of American history. Its authentic details make it a prized possession for display or use in living history events.
• Homestead and Ranch Use: A reliable lever-action rifle chambered in a common pistol caliber is an excellent general-purpose firearm for pest control, property defense, and light hunting tasks around a homestead or ranch.

Care and Maintenance for Your 1873 Sporting Rifle

To ensure your Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle remains in pristine condition and performs reliably for years to come, proper care and maintenance are essential.

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, especially if firing corrosive ammunition (though rare with modern centerfire rounds), thoroughly clean the bore, chamber, and action. Use appropriate bore cleaner, brushes, and patches.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin coat of gun oil to all moving parts within the action, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Proper lubrication ensures smooth operation and prevents wear.
• External Care: Wipe down external metal surfaces with an oiled cloth to prevent rust, paying special attention to the blued and color case hardened finishes. For the walnut stock, a quality wood oil or conditioner will keep the wood nourished and protected.
• Storage: Store the rifle in a dry, temperate environment, ideally in a gun safe or cabinet. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity, which can lead to corrosion. A silicone-treated gun sock can provide an extra layer of protection.
• Professional Inspection: Periodically, or if you notice any unusual operation, consider having a qualified gunsmith inspect your rifle to ensure all components are functioning correctly and safely.

Where to Find Your Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle

For those ready to embrace the legacy and performance of this magnificent firearm, the Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle (model 200F) is available at DEGuns. DEGuns offers a wide selection of firearms and accessories, providing a reliable source for high-quality sporting rifles like this one. When looking for genuine Taylors & Company firearms, DEGuns is a trusted retailer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle

Here are answers to common questions about this popular lever-action rifle:

• Can I shoot .38 Special ammunition in this .357 Magnum rifle?
  Yes, absolutely. The Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle chambered in .357 Magnum is designed to safely and reliably chamber and fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges. This provides excellent versatility for target practice with milder recoil and lower cost ammunition, while still allowing for the full power of .357 Magnum when needed.
• How historically accurate is the Taylors & Company 1873 reproduction?
  Taylors & Company is widely respected for its commitment to historical authenticity. Their 1873 Sporting Rifle is an extremely faithful reproduction of the original Winchester Model 1873, including the distinctive toggle-link action, octagon barrel profile, and classic finishes like color case hardening and walnut furniture. It captures the essence and handling characteristics of the "Gun That Won the West."
• Is this rifle suitable for hunting?
  Yes, the Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle in .357 Magnum is a very capable hunting rifle for small to medium-sized game such as deer, wild hogs, and coyotes at appropriate ranges. From a 20-inch rifle barrel, the .357 Magnum cartridge gains significant velocity and energy, making it an effective choice for a variety of game.
• What is the "color case hardened" finish?
  Color case hardening is a traditional heat treatment process that hardens the surface of steel while creating a beautiful, mottled, iridescent pattern of colors (blues, purples, browns, yellows). It's a hallmark of classic firearms and provides both durability and a unique aesthetic appeal. Each color case hardened finish is distinct.
• What kind of maintenance does the 1873 action require?
  The toggle-link action is robust but benefits from regular cleaning and lubrication. After each shooting session, it's recommended to clean the bore and wipe down the exterior. For the action, a light application of gun oil on moving parts ensures smooth operation. Consult the rifle's manual for detailed cleaning and maintenance instructions.
• Where can I purchase this rifle?
  The Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle (model 200F) can be purchased from DEGuns. They stock a variety of Taylors & Company firearms and can provide expert assistance with your purchase.

The Taylors & Company 1873 Sporting Rifle in .357 Magnum (UPC 839665008544) is more than just a firearm; it's a testament to enduring design and quality craftsmanship. It bridges the gap between historical reverence and modern performance, offering a unique and satisfying shooting experience for a wide range of enthusiasts.

Key Specifications

Feature	Detail
Caliber	.357 Magnum / .38 Special
Barrel Length	20 inches
Barrel Type	Octagon
Capacity	10+1 Rounds
Finish	Color Case Hardened Receiver, Blued Barrel
Stock & Forend	Walnut
Action Type	Lever-Action (Toggle Link)
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Manufacturer	Taylors & Company
UPC	839665008544

Common Use Cases

Application	Benefit
Cowboy Action Shooting	Smooth action, authentic feel, ample capacity for competitions.
Hunting (Small/Medium)	Effective with .357 Mag, quick handling, reliable for game.
Target & Recreational	Enjoyable shooting, versatile with .38 Special, classic aesthetics.
Historical Reenactment	High fidelity to original design, perfect for period-correct displays.
Firearm Collection	Iconic design, quality craftsmanship, excellent investment for enthusiasts.

Care & Maintenance Overview

Task	Description
Cleaning	After each use, clean bore, chamber, and action to prevent fouling.
Lubrication	Lightly oil all moving parts to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear.
Protection	Wipe down external surfaces with an oiled cloth; use wood conditioner.
Storage	Store in a dry, temperate environment; use a gun safe or protective sock.