WIN 1873 DLX SPORTER 44-40 24″ 14RD

The WIN 1873 DLX SPORTER 44-40 24″ 14RD is not a replica—it’s a modern production of the rifle that won the West, built to the same specs that made the 1873 the lever-action standard. Chambered in the classic .44-40, this Deluxe Sporter wears a half-round, half-octagon 24-inch barrel and a Grade V/VI walnut curved-grip stock. The color case-hardened receiver, lever, and buttplate are period-correct and corrosion-resistant. This is the rifle you bring to a cowboy action match, a vintage silhouette shoot, or a SASS side match where authenticity and accuracy both count.

Key Features

• Grade V/VI Walnut Stock — The curved-grip stock and rifle-style forearm are carved from the same high-grade walnut you’d expect on a custom-order 19th-century rifle. This isn’t a plain-grade production piece; it’s a show-grade wood set that justifies the Deluxe label.
• Half-Round, Half-Octagon 24″ Barrel — The octagon section at the chamber adds stiffness for accuracy while the round portion toward the muzzle keeps weight manageable. You get the classic look of an octagon barrel without the full-pound penalty.
• Color Case-Hardened Steel Receiver — The receiver, lever, buttplate, and forearm cap receive a true color case-hardening finish. This isn’t a spray-on coating; it’s a heat-and-carbon process that creates a durable, mottled surface that resists rust and looks like it just left the 1870s.
• 14-Round Tubular Magazine — Full-length tube under the barrel holds 14 rounds of .44-40, giving you a solid stage capacity for cowboy action or plinking.
• Authentic 1873 Action — The toggle-link action is the same design John Browning’s Winchester 1885 didn’t replace overnight. It cycles .44-40 smoothly, though it demands a deliberate stroke—no short-stroking, no slamming.

Who It’s For

This rifle is built for the shooter who values historical accuracy and craftsmanship over modern shortcuts. You’re the person who shows up to a SASS match with a rifle that looks, feels, and functions like it rode the Chisholm Trail. You appreciate the cost of a Grade V/VI walnut stock and the labor in a color case-hardened receiver. You’re not looking for a tack-driver at 300 yards; you’re looking for the rifle that defined the lever-action era.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Genuine Winchester 1873 heritage, high-grade wood, true color case-hardening, 14-round capacity, balanced weight for off-hand shooting.

Cons: The toggle-link action is not as strong as a later 1892 or 1894 design—.44-40 is the upper pressure limit. You will not run hot handloads through this action. Also, the curved-grip stock can be a reach for shooters with smaller hands. This is a rifle for the enthusiast, not the budget buyer.

Comparison: WIN 1873 DLX vs. Uberti 1873 vs. Henry Big Boy Steel

The WIN 1873 DLX costs more than either competitor because of the wood grade and the true color case-hardening. The Uberti is a solid shooter but uses lower-grade wood. The Henry Big Boy is a modern design with a side gate, but it lacks the 1873’s toggle-link feel and period aesthetics. If you want the closest thing to an original Winchester 1873 in new production, the DLX is the pick.

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Last updated: April 2026

Statistic: According to the NRA, lever-action rifles account for roughly 12% of the U.S. rifle market, with the 1873 design remaining the most popular platform for cowboy action shooting.

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