The Taylors & Company 1873 .357 Magnum 20″ Octagon Walnut is a lever-action rifle built for shooters who demand accuracy and period-correct handling. Chambered in .357 Magnum, this 20″ octagon barrel model delivers flat trajectories and tight groups at the range. The case-hardened receiver and straight walnut stock keep the classic lines, while modern manufacturing ensures reliable cycling. If you want a competition-ready lever gun that shoots soft and hits hard, this is it.
| Manufacturer | Taylors & Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 Sporting |
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Barrel Length | 20″ octagon |
| Material | Steel barrel, case-hardened receiver, walnut stock |
| Finish | Blued barrel, case-hardened receiver |
| Weight | ~7.8 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Action | Lever action, right-hand |
| Sights | Buckhorn rear, blade front |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 20″ Octagon Barrel – Why it matters: The extra weight forward stabilizes the rifle under recoil and soaks up heat during strings of fire. You’ll hold on target longer and shoot flatter.
- Case-Hardened Receiver – Why it matters: This isn’t just cosmetic. The case hardening adds surface durability against holster wear and handling. It also gives you that authentic 1873 look that turns heads at the line.
- Straight Walnut Stock – Why it matters: Traditional straight grip lets your hand slide naturally into the lever loop. No palm swell to fight, just clean indexing for fast follow-ups.
- Buckhorn Rear / Blade Front Sights – Why it matters: These are the gold standard for lever-action precision. The Buckhorn gives you a fine notch for windage adjustment, while the blade front picks up targets quickly.
- Chambered in .357 Magnum – Why it matters: You get heavy-hitting .357 Magnum for steel or .38 Special for cheap practice. One rifle, two loads – perfect for competition or plinking.
Who It’s For
This is for the competitor who shoots cowboy action, SASS, or outlaw matches. It’s also for the precision enthusiast who wants a lever gun that can hold a 2 MOA at 100 yards with the right load. If you appreciate traditional lines but need modern reliability, this fits.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: .357 Magnum gives you versatility – shoot .38 Special for low recoil, .357 for power.
- Pro: 20″ octagon barrel balances perfectly for offhand shooting and reduces muzzle flip.
- Con: The case-hardened receiver can show wear faster than a blued finish if you run it hard in holsters. Per Taylors & Company, it’s meant to patina, so don’t expect it to stay shiny forever.
Comparison
| Feature | Taylors & Company 1873 | Uberti 1873 Sporting | Henry Big Boy Steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel | 20″ octagon, blued | 20″ octagon, blued | 20″ round, blued |
| Receiver | Case-hardened | Case-hardened | Blued steel |
| Stock | Straight walnut | Straight walnut | Straight walnut |
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl |
| Weight | ~7.8 lbs | ~7.8 lbs | ~7.6 lbs |
| Price | $1503.91 | ~$1,400 | ~$1,100 |
| Action | Lever, right-hand | Lever, right-hand | Lever, right-hand |
Per Taylors & Company, the 1873 is built with tighter tolerances than the Uberti, and the case-hardened receiver is done in-house. The Henry has a smoother action out of the box, but the Taylors gives you that classic 1873 toggle-link feel that competition shooters prefer.
FAQ
Is this rifle compatible with .38 Special?
Yes. The Taylors & Company 1873 is chambered in .357 Magnum, and it will safely cycle .38 Special ammunition. Just be sure to clean the chamber regularly when switching between the two, as .38 Special cases can leave carbon rings.
What is the barrel twist rate?
Per manufacturer specs, the 20″ octagon barrel has a 1:16″ twist rate. This stabilizes 125-158 grain bullets accurately at competition distances.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
This model comes with open sights only. If you want optics, you’ll need a side-mount or a replacement barrel band with a rail. Most competitors stick with the Buckhorn/blade setup for speed.
Is the action tuned for competition?
Out of the box, the action is smooth but not race-ready. Per Taylors & Company, it benefits from a break-in period of about 200 rounds. Many shooters add a spring kit for faster cycling.
What is the magazine capacity?
This rifle has a tubular magazine under the barrel. It holds 10 rounds of .357 Magnum or 11 rounds of .38 Special. That’s plenty for most stages.
Ready to Run It?
This Taylors & Company 1873 .357 Magnum 20″ Octagon Walnut is in stock and ready to ship. It’s a proven platform for competition and range work. Add it to your cart and start dialing in your splits.
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Check out our other Lever Action Rifles or see our Competition Firearms collection. Need ammo? Browse .357 Magnum Ammunition.
Last updated: April 2026
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