The Uberti 1873 Competition Rifle: A Modern Classic for Discerning Shooters

For enthusiasts seeking to own a piece of American history reimagined for modern performance, the Uberti 1873 Competition Rifle stands as an unparalleled choice. Often hailed as "the rifle that won the West," the original Winchester 1873 lever-action rifle earned its legendary status through unparalleled reliability and widespread adoption across the American frontier. Its success was further cemented when the iconic Colt Peacemaker revolver became available in the same versatile calibers, allowing cowboys, pioneers, and lawmen to carry a single cartridge belt for both their rifle and their sidearm. Uberti, renowned for its meticulously crafted historical reproductions, brings this rich heritage to life with a contemporary twist, optimizing the classic design for competitive shooting disciplines while retaining the authentic feel and aesthetic that collectors cherish.

This rifle is specifically designed for those who appreciate the craftsmanship of a bygone era but demand the precision and speed necessary for today's shooting challenges. Whether you're a dedicated participant in Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) events, a historical firearms collector, or simply a recreational shooter who values a beautifully engineered lever-action rifle, the Uberti 1873 Competition Rifle offers an exceptional blend of tradition and innovation.

Why the 1873 Still Reigns Supreme: A Legacy of Innovation

The original 1873 rifle wasn't just a firearm; it was a symbol of progress and expansion. Its innovative lever-action design allowed for rapid firing, a significant advantage in an era when single-shot firearms were the norm. This increased firepower made it invaluable for hunting, self-defense, and military applications, particularly in the hands of settlers and frontiersmen. The ability to chamber the same ammunition as popular revolvers, such as the Colt Single Action Army, streamlined logistics and simplified ammunition supply, making it an indispensable tool for survival and everyday life on the vast American plains.

Uberti meticulously recreates this legacy, understanding that the allure of the 1873 extends beyond mere functionality. It's about connecting with history, appreciating the elegant mechanics, and experiencing the thrill of operating a design that shaped a nation. Their commitment to authenticity is evident in every detail, from the choice of premium materials to the faithful reproduction of the iconic lines and contours of the original.

Unlocking Competitive Edge: The Features That Define Performance

The "Competition" designation in the Uberti 1873 model is not merely a label; it signifies specific enhancements engineered to give shooters an advantage in timed events and precision shooting. This rifle addresses the common questions of "What makes a lever-action rifle fast?" or "How can I improve my speed in Cowboy Action Shooting?" The answers lie in its optimized features:

• A-Grade Walnut Shotgun-Style Buttstock: Beyond its stunning aesthetics, the A-grade walnut stock offers a natural feel and superior ergonomics. The "shotgun-style" buttstock design provides a comfortable and consistent shoulder mount, allowing for quicker target acquisition and more stable shooting. This design reduces perceived recoil and contributes to a smoother follow-through, crucial for maintaining accuracy during rapid fire. The rich, deep grain of the walnut adds to the rifle's overall appeal, making it as much a work of art as it is a high-performance firearm.
• Gold Bead Front Sight: Precision is paramount in competition, and the gold bead front sight is a testament to this philosophy. Unlike traditional blade sights, a gold bead catches ambient light, making it highly visible against a variety of backgrounds and lighting conditions. This enhanced visibility allows for faster sight alignment and a more precise aiming point, even when shooting quickly or in challenging environments. For shooters asking, "What kind of sights are best for fast target acquisition?", the gold bead is often the answer.
• Short-Stroke Lever: This is perhaps the most significant competition-specific enhancement. The standard 1873 lever-action requires a full, wide arc to cycle a fresh round into the chamber. The short-stroke mechanism dramatically reduces this travel distance. This means less movement, less time, and less effort required for each shot, leading to significantly faster follow-up shots. For competitors aiming to shave precious tenths of a second off their stage times, a short-stroke lever is a game-changer. It transforms the classic 1873 into a truly rapid-fire platform, allowing the shooter to maintain focus on the target rather than the mechanics of the rifle. When considering "How to get a faster cycling lever-action rifle?", the short-stroke modification is the ultimate upgrade.

The Versatility of .357 Magnum: A Caliber for All Seasons

Chambered in .357 Magnum, this Uberti 1873 offers exceptional versatility. The .357 Magnum cartridge is a powerful and popular choice, known for its accuracy and effective range. Crucially, rifles chambered in .357 Magnum can also safely and effectively fire the less powerful, more affordable .38 Special ammunition. This dual-caliber capability provides several advantages:

• Cost-Effective Training: Practicing with .38 Special ammunition significantly reduces recoil, making for a more comfortable and enjoyable shooting experience during extended range sessions. It also lowers ammunition costs, allowing for more frequent practice without breaking the bank.
• Reduced Recoil: For new shooters or those sensitive to recoil, .38 Special offers a gentler introduction to lever-action shooting, building confidence and proficiency.
• Competitive Suitability: Many cowboy action shooting categories allow or even encourage the use of .38 Special for its manageability and speed in rapid fire stages.
• Power for Purpose: When more power is desired, such as for hunting smaller game (where legally permitted) or simply for experiencing the full potential of the rifle, the .357 Magnum cartridge delivers.

This adaptability makes the Uberti 1873 in .357 Magnum an excellent investment for a wide range of shooting activities, from competitive events to casual plinking or even as a versatile field gun.

Detailed Specifications and Engineering Excellence

Beyond the headline features, the Uberti 1873 Competition Rifle is built with attention to every detail, ensuring reliability, durability, and a truly authentic experience.

• Barrel Length (20"): A 20-inch barrel strikes an optimal balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance. It's short enough to be quick and easy to handle in tight spaces or during rapid transitions in competition, yet long enough to maximize the velocity and accuracy of both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds. This length also contributes to the rifle's pleasing aesthetics, mirroring popular historical configurations.
• Total Length (39"): The overall length ensures a compact yet stable platform, making it comfortable to carry and handle for extended periods without undue fatigue.
• Weight (8 lbs.): At 8 pounds, the rifle possesses a satisfying heft that aids in stability and helps absorb recoil, leading to improved accuracy and control during firing. This weight provides a solid feel without being cumbersome.
• Capacity (10 + 1): A generous capacity of 10 rounds in the tubular magazine plus one in the chamber is highly advantageous in competitive scenarios, often allowing a shooter to complete an entire stage without needing to reload, thereby saving critical time.
• Finish (Blued Steel): The classic blued steel finish provides a deep, rich luster that enhances the rifle's traditional appearance. Beyond aesthetics, bluing offers excellent protection against corrosion and wear, ensuring the rifle maintains its beauty and integrity for years to come. This traditional finish complements the walnut stock, creating a timeless visual appeal.

Maintaining Your Lever-Action Masterpiece

Owning a firearm of this caliber also means committing to proper care and maintenance. For those asking "How do I care for my lever-action rifle?" or "What's the best way to clean a classic firearm?", here are some general guidelines:

• Regular Cleaning: After each shooting session, especially when using lead-based ammunition, clean the barrel to remove fouling. Pay attention to the action to ensure no debris interferes with the smooth operation of the lever.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin coat of high-quality gun oil to all moving parts of the action to ensure smooth cycling and prevent corrosion. Avoid over-lubrication, which can attract dirt and grime.
• Storage: Store the rifle in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, ideally in a padded gun case or cabinet, to protect it from dust, moisture, and accidental damage.
• Ammunition Choice: While the rifle handles both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, always use high-quality, reputable ammunition. Avoid reloads unless you are confident in their quality and consistency.

By following these simple steps, your Uberti 1873 Competition Rifle will provide reliable service and maintain its pristine condition for generations.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Rifle?

The Uberti 1873 Competition Rifle is an ideal choice for:

• Cowboy Action Shooters (CAS/SASS): The short-stroke lever, rapid cycling, and dual-caliber capability make it a formidable and highly competitive rifle for timed stages.
• Historical Firearms Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the craftsmanship and historical significance of classic American firearms will find this reproduction to be a faithful and high-quality representation.
• Collectors: Its authentic design, premium materials, and Uberti's reputation for quality make it a valuable addition to any collection of classic or replica firearms.
• Recreational Shooters: For anyone who enjoys the unique experience of shooting a lever-action rifle, its smooth action, enjoyable recoil (especially with .38 Special), and timeless appeal offer immense satisfaction at the range.
• Discerning Sportsmen: While primarily designed for competition, its reliability and classic aesthetics make it a pleasure to own and shoot for general sporting purposes.

Experience the Legend with Uberti and DEGuns

The Uberti 1873 Competition Rifle is more than just a firearm; it's an heirloom-quality instrument that pays homage to a pivotal era in American history while offering the performance demanded by today's most rigorous shooting disciplines. It embodies the spirit of the Old West, combining historical authenticity with modern enhancements for an unparalleled shooting experience.

For those ready to own and experience the legendary performance and timeless appeal of the Uberti 1873 Competition Rifle, this exceptional firearm is available at DEGuns, a trusted source for quality firearms and accessories. DEGuns provides access to a comprehensive selection of firearms, ensuring you can find the perfect model to meet your specific needs and passion for shooting.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Feature	Detail
Model	Uberti 1873 Competition Rifle
Caliber	.357 Magnum (.38 Special compatible)
Barrel Length	20"
Total Length	39"
Weight	8 lbs.
Capacity	10 + 1 rounds
Stock	A-grade walnut
Finish	Blued steel
Front Sight	Gold bead
Special Feature	Short-stroke lever

Product Identification

Identifier	Value
UPC	037084995854
MFG Item Number	342905