BLACK POWDER: TRUE BLUE

Created on 20th May 2009

DEREK LANDERS goes on test with a classic Winchester reproduction rifle that's a faultless performer

Not content with producing one or two variations, Uberti offers a comprehensive choice of models in its Winchester 1873 range. Carbines, rifles and muskets are available with a choice of full blue, blue and case-hardened or ‘in-the-white' finishes, with chequered stocks and engraving for those who want something a bit special. The model on test here is the standard blue-finished carbine in the original chambering for this model, .44 Winchester Centre-fire - better known as the .44-40.

History

When Winchester unveiled its first centrefire rifle in 1873 it was an instant success, although early sales were hampered by the difficulties that the company experienced in the production of the new ammunition. Having established its reputation with this rifle's predecessor, the 1866 or ‘Yellowboy' - so named because of its brass frame - the model 1873 was set to become one of the most famous rifles produced by the company. The mechanism of the 73 was the same simple yet relatively weak toggle-action that was used on the Model 1866. The introduction of iron (later steel) frames resulted in a lighter yet stronger rifle than the earlier models, as well as helping to lower the cost of production. The closed magazine tube of the Model 1866 had been a great improvement over the Henry rifle. Late in production of the Yellowboy a sliding dust cover was fitted to the top of the receiver, protecting the action and breech end of the barrel from dirt. This cover was a feature throughout production of the Model 1873. The cover must be closed manually and opens as the lever is lowered to cock the rifle and remains open to allow the ejection of empty cases. A new feature on this rifle, introduced at around the 30,000 serial number mark, was a trigger block safety, preventing the accidental release of the trigger before the lever is fully closed. This resulted in a slight change in the design of the lever, with the addition of a projection on the upper forward edge to depress the blocking pin. The trigger was also changed from a one-piece unit to a separate trigger and sear. The trigger block was not provided if the optional set trigger was requested.

As with its modern Uberti counterparts, the Model 1873 was available in carbine, rifle and musket configurations. The standard butt-plate on rifles was the classic crescent shape, while carbines and muskets were fitted with the modified shotgun-style, as seen on this reproduction. An alternative was a full shotgun-style plate and customers could specify whichever one of the three they wanted, regardless of the style of rifle they chose. The standard woodwork on all 73s was straight-grained walnut, but fancy grain was available at extra cost, along with chequering and pistol-grip stocks. Finish on the stocks was either oil or varnish, the former being more prevalent. The customary finish to the metal was Winchester's bright blue, with the lever, hammer, trigger and some internal parts being case-hardened. Frames and side plates, as well as lower tangs, butt-plates and forend caps, could be case-hardened to special order.

When production ceased in 1919 over 720,000 units had left the New Haven facility. Some 80% of the guns were in .44/40 calibre; other options were in .38/40, .32/20 and .22 rimfire, with the latter calibre only available as a rifle.

True Blue

The previous Uberti Model 1873 that I reviewed was a 24" barrelled rifle with a case-hardened receiver. When I took this one out of the box and saw the blue receiver and side plates I assumed that it was a cost-cutting exercise by Uberti. It was not until I did a little research that I discovered the above information regarding the predominance of the blue finish on originals. So while the case-hardened guns are more attractive to look at, it was the full-blue type that was much more common on the frontier. The Uberti blue is in fact much nearer to black, except for the screws on this example. All of the screw heads are true blue, almost like the fire or charcoal blue seen on many 19th century arms, and much more pleasing to the eye than the black finish. I wonder if the screws are manufactured by a contractor who uses his own colour? In a certain light you can also see that the finish on the magazine tube is less glossy than as the rest of the metal work - it looks more like the brushed or satin finish which is reminiscent of aluminium products. The case-hardened finish on the lever, hammer and trigger is excellent.

The walnut woodwork is finished in Uberti's standard high-gloss red/brown. The wood-to-metal fit is first class and the overall impression is of a well-made and well-put-together gun. One viewer commented that it will really look the business when it gets a little wear and some of the edges have lost their colour and I think I tend to agree. I am not sure whether Uberti offers the option of a saddle ring on the left side of the frame, but it would be a nice touch.

Sights

The sights follow the pattern of the originals, with the rear being a two-position tip-up. The ‘ladder' is graduated from two to nine, the figures corresponding to hundreds of yards. The upper figure is very optimistic for a rifle of this calibre. In the lowered position - set for 100yd - the rear sight is a U-shaped notch, while elevating the ladder presents the shooter with a V-shaped notch. Either one produces a good picture with the front sight, which is a blade-type extension of the front barrel band copied from the early original models. Later examples had the front sight mounted in a dovetail in the barrel. The 19" barrel is tapered and the six-groove rifling has a right-hand twist of an unspecified rate. The rifling is quite shallow and the lands and grooves are of an equal width.

Solid Performer

I have to admit to being a fan of the .44/40, as this is the only calibre I have owned in a fullbore lever gun for the last 20 years. The Uberti 1873 proved to be a little larger and heavier than my current Winchester 1892 reproduction, probably the epitome of pistol calibre lever actions but functions smoothly and efficiently. The lever action is a bit on the stiff side but this will ease in a very short while when the brass elevator beds itself in. The trigger broke at a shade over 6lbs with no creep. The trigger safety block spring is particularly light on this example and one 1873 user did not notice that there was a block there at all. Case ejection was perfect and the empties were thrown well clear. Using my standard load for this calibre - 8gn of Unique powder and a 200gn, .427" diameter bullet - I noticed that the cases were coming out exceptionally clean, showing a good seal in the breech. Users of straight-walled cases in these guns (.45 Colt or .44 Special, for example) may find evidence of a little blowback in the form of dirty cases. Indeed, when I changed to a lighter, experimental load of Vihtavuori Tin Star powder I began to see the tell-tale signs that the cases were not sealing as well as they had with the heavier load.

I only had the opportunity to shoot this rifle at 25yd and 50yd and in both cases it printed a little high, around 3-4". Recoil is very manageable with the heavier of the two loads and almost non-existent with the lighter loads. The gun performed faultlessly throughout the day and I found that I had run out of ammunition long before my enjoyment of the rifle had come to an end. If you are looking for a solid performer with a touch of history to boot, you won't go too far wrong with this piece. For those who have heard that the pistol calibre necked cases such as the .44/40 are difficult to load (believe me, they are not) the Uberti 1873 is also available in .45 Colt, .44 Special and .38 Special. But if you want to try other original calibres for this rifle, then .32/20 and .38/40 are listed in the Uberti catalogue.

I would like to thank Henry Krank for the loan of this rifle for review.

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