The Taylors & Company 1873 .357 Magnum 20-inch Octagon Walnut is a heritage-style lever-action rifle that delivers period-correct aesthetics with modern manufacturing precision. Chambered in .357 Magnum, this pistol-grip configuration features a 20-inch octagonal blued barrel, color case-hardened frame, and a fixed walnut stock with checkered forend for classic lines and solid handling.
| Manufacturer | Taylors & Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 1873 |
| Material | Steel barrel and receiver; walnut stock and forend |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Finish | Blued barrel; color case-hardened frame |
| Weight | Approximately 8.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 20-inch Octagonal Barrel — The extra mass and rigidity of the octagon profile reduce barrel whip and heat shift, giving you tighter groups at 50-100 yards compared to a round barrel of the same length.
- Color Case-Hardened Frame — Not just for looks: the traditional case-hardening process creates a wear-resistant surface that stands up to heavy lever-action cycling, keeping the action smooth for thousands of rounds.
- Pistol-Grip Stock with Checkered Forend — The pistol grip improves hand placement for rapid follow-up shots, while the checkered forend gives you a non-slip purchase even with sweaty hands during a stage run.
- Blade Front and Buckhorn Rear Sights — The buckhorn rear notch lets you acquire targets quickly at close to mid-range, and the brass bead front sight is easy to pick up in low light—critical for Cowboy Action or field shooting.
- Chambered in .357 Magnum — You get the versatility to shoot mild .38 Special loads for practice or hot .357 Magnum for hunting, all without changing guns. According to Taylors & Company specs, the action is built to handle the higher pressure of .357 without issue.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for competition shooters in Cowboy Action and SASS matches who demand a gun that cycles fast and looks authentic. It also suits precision enthusiasts who want a lever gun that shoots .357 Magnum accurately at 50-100 yards, as well as collectors who appreciate the 19th-century styling with modern reliability.
Pros / Cons
- Pros: Classic looks with modern steel; smooth action out of the box; shoots both .357 and .38 Special; 20-inch barrel balances well for offhand shooting; color case-hardening resists wear.
- Cons: The fixed buckhorn rear sight can be slow to adjust for elevation compared to a tang sight, so you may want to swap it if you’re shooting past 75 yards.
Comparison
| Feature | Taylors & Company 1873 .357 | Zev Technologies OZ9 | Geissele Super Duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action Type | Lever action | Striker-fired pistol | Semi-auto rifle |
| Caliber | .357 Magnum | 9mm | 5.56 NATO |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches octagon | 4.5 inches | 16 inches |
| Stock | Walnut fixed | Polymer grip | Aluminum handguard |
| Best Use | Cowboy Action, hunting | Competition pistol | Duty/tactical |
| Price | ~$1,501 | ~$1,800 | ~$1,600 |
FAQ
Is this rifle compatible with .38 Special rounds?
Yes, it cycles both .357 Magnum and .38 Special without any modifications. The magazine tube and action handle the shorter .38 Special case length reliably.
What is the twist rate of the barrel?
Per Taylors & Company specs, the 20-inch octagon barrel has a 1:18 twist rate, optimized for the bullet weights typical in .357 Magnum and .38 Special.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?
The receiver is not drilled and tapped for a scope base. You can use a tang-mounted peep sight or a side-mount scope setup, but it will require drilling by a gunsmith.
How does the action compare to a Winchester 1873?
The Taylors & Company 1873 uses modern steel and CNC machining, so the action is smoother and more durable than many original Winchesters. It also handles .357 Magnum pressures safely, which originals were not designed for.
What is the magazine capacity?
It holds 10 rounds of .357 Magnum or 12 rounds of .38 Special, depending on cartridge length.
Trust Block
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✓ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✓ 30-day returns
- ✓ Secure checkout
Related Categories
Last updated: April 2026. According to the NRA, lever-action rifles account for approximately 12% of the U.S. rifle market, with the 1873 being one of the most popular models for Cowboy Action shooters.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.