The Taylors and Company 1873 .45 Long Colt 20″ Octagon is a production-grade lever-action rifle built for serious shooters who demand traditional handling and reliable cycling. Chambered in .45 Long Colt, this full-size, right-hand model pairs a 20-inch octagonal barrel with a fixed walnut pistol-grip stock. Sighting is via a blade front and Buckhorn rear, calibrated for typical hunting and range distances. Per manufacturer specs, the action is a smooth, manual lever-action designed for sporting and recreational use.
| Manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 |
| Material | Steel receiver, walnut stock |
| Compatibility | .45 Long Colt ammunition |
| Finish | Blued |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 20-inch Octagonal Barrel: WHY IT MATTERS: The octagonal profile adds mass for reduced recoil and heat dissipation, while the longer sight radius improves accuracy at 50-100 yards.
- Fixed Walnut Pistol-Grip Stock: WHY IT MATTERS: The pistol grip provides a secure, repeatable hold for rapid lever cycling, and the walnut construction resists moisture and impact.
- Blade Front and Buckhorn Rear Sights: WHY IT MATTERS: This traditional sight set offers quick target acquisition on moving game or steel plates, with elevation adjustment via the rear notch.
- Lever-Action Mechanism: WHY IT MATTERS: The proven toggle-link action cycles .45 Long Colt reliably, with a smooth, short throw that minimizes disruption to your sight picture.
- Full-Size Right-Hand Design: WHY IT MATTERS: The 20-inch barrel and 13.5-inch length of pull fit average adult shooters, and the right-hand ejection port clears spent casings away from your face.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and serious shooters who need a dependable lever-action for training, competition, or ranch work. It suits shooters who prefer traditional steel and walnut over synthetic stocks, and who value manual cycling reliability over semi-auto complexity. The .45 Long Colt chambering makes it effective for hunting deer-sized game at moderate ranges.
Pros/Cons
Pros: Authentic 1873 design with modern metallurgy; octagonal barrel balances weight and accuracy; Buckhorn sights are fast for close-quarters work; walnut stock is durable with proper care.
Cons: Octagonal barrel adds weight (8.5 lbs) compared to round barrels; fixed stock limits adjustability for shooters with short or long arms; blued finish requires regular oiling to prevent rust in humid conditions.
Comparison
| Feature | Taylors and Company 1873 .45 Colt | Uberti 1873 .45 Colt | Henry Big Boy .45 Colt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 20″ octagonal | 19″ round | 20″ round |
| Stock Material | Walnut, pistol grip | Walnut, pistol grip | American walnut, pistol grip |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs | 7.8 lbs | 8.68 lbs |
| Sights | Blade front, Buckhorn rear | Blade front, semi-buckhorn rear | Fiber optic front, adjustable rear |
| Action Type | Toggle-link lever | Toggle-link lever | Side-gate lever |
| Price | $1,815.95 | $1,699.00 | $1,199.00 |
What caliber is the Taylors and Company 1873 available in?
This specific model is chambered in .45 Long Colt. Taylors and Company also offers the 1873 in .357 Magnum/.38 Special and .44-40 WCF, but the .45 Colt version uses a larger frame to handle the longer cartridge.
Is the 20-inch octagonal barrel accurate for hunting?
Yes. The 20-inch barrel provides a 1:16 twist rate that stabilizes 250-300 grain .45 Colt bullets. At 50 yards, this rifle consistently shoots 2-3 inch groups with quality ammunition. The Buckhorn sight allows windage adjustment via drift.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
No. The 1873 receiver is not drilled or tapped for scope mounts. You must use the factory iron sights. For low-light use, consider adding a tang-mounted peep sight (available aftermarket).
Does this rifle work with .45 Colt +P ammunition?
Per Taylors and Company specs, this rifle is rated for standard-pressure .45 Colt loads only. Do not use +P or Ruger-only loads, as they can damage the toggle-link action.
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Related Categories:
Lever Action Rifles | .45 Colt Ammunition | Walnut Stocks
Last updated: April 2026
According to the NSSF, lever-action rifles account for approximately 12% of all new rifle sales annually in the U.S., with .45 Colt being the third most popular chambering in the category.
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