Author Topic: My new Uberti 1873 Winchester in 45 Colt (Read 2851 times)

AtlLaw · « **on:** July 09, 2009, 08:23:12 AM »

New to me anyway... I just got it a few days ago. It's the "Sporting" rifle, 24" octogon barrel, case colored rec'r, pistol grip stock, checkering, all in all a beautiful rifle!

I slugged the bore last night and it came out right at .452 so I'm going to order some jacketed bullets for it, 250 gr. TSX's?, and start working up a load for deer season.

The one "thing" is the rear sight. It has a tang sight with a large target disk. Does anyone know who makes this sight for Uberti and if they sell other inserts?

Skunk · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2009, 08:28:59 AM »

Congrats Richard! Sounds nice. I have no answer to the sight question. Please post some pictures of the new rifle if you get a chance.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #2 on:** July 09, 2009, 10:25:42 AM »

Will do! Come to think on it I got a lot of pictures I need to post on different threads!

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #3 on:** July 09, 2009, 02:33:06 PM »

Sounds nice Richard. Don't know on the sights, but have always had good luck with the Hornady XTP's. With your 1873 you won't want to load to warm so the 250gr might be just the thing for you. DP

williedee · « **Reply #4 on:** July 09, 2009, 04:12:38 PM »

VTI Replica Gun Parts Tel. (860)-435-8068 may have what you're looking for.

deernhog · « **Reply #5 on:** July 10, 2009, 02:00:58 AM »

A 255grn lead load loaded to about 900fps is fun to shoot and usually accurate. That load is for a pistol and will pickup speed in the rifle. In the woods from a tree stand that gun will be great. Does it have a buckhorn sight on the barrel also? Strapped across the bars it will look great.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #6 on:** July 10, 2009, 05:25:24 AM »

Quote from: deernhog on July 10, 2009, 02:00:58 AM

Strapped across the bars it will look great.

In a rifle cradle maybe!

But that rifle-gun is so purdy I'm scared I may scratch it! almost

Quote

A 255grn lead load loaded to about 900fps is fun to shoot and usually accurate.

That's generally what I was thinking of for a hunting load. They say the rifle is limited to SAA (14K psi) pressures, but the last issue of HandLoader listed some loads (both cast and jacketed) with pressures around 18K psi. The gun writer, can't remember who but I consider him knowledgeable, said the '73 action is stronger then most think, but apparently not by much.

<an aside...> Now Will'um ol' hoss, I know you already told me if I wanted to hot rod a 45 Colt load get a Rossi M92. And you know after that Taurus thing I ain't agonna ignore your advice!

Well, maybe I ain't agonna let you know I ignored your adivce...

Quote

That load is for a pistol and will pickup speed in the rifle.

I've got a bunch of 250 gr. RNFP "Cowboy" loads I'm gonna try next time I make it to the range. I'll put them across my Chrono out of a SAA then the rifle just to see the difference in velocities. The results will be interesting. I'm hopeing the 900 fps SAA load will be an 1100 fps rifle load.

Quote

Does it have a buckhorn sight on the barrel also?

The former owner, an old friend of mine, has it somewhere. Unfortunately, my old eyes won't let me see the rear sight in a set of irons.

jager · « **Reply #7 on:** July 10, 2009, 05:57:15 AM »

I've never seen a Uberti 1873 that wasn't "drop dead gorgeous" (sorry to get alittle carried away with the female comparisons

). Congrats AtlLaw! Uberti has the nicest fit and finish I've ever seen on these "repos" and a friend, who has one in a .38Special, says his is as accurate as his "Marlin". I've lusted for one for a while now, but didn't know what caliber to buy and what I needed to sell to come up with the "scratch" (my "bike" is not for sale).
Brian Pearce is the fellow who wrote the piece on the 1873 and has "high prasise" for your gun. I did own a Marlin 1894 Cowboy in a .45 Colt (24" BBL) a few years back and ran some 307gr cast loads to 1550fps, it didn't really improve the "trajectory" and sure took alot of the enjoyment out of the shooting. You'll pick up about 200 to 300fps with your 24" barrel over the pistol loads, which is better than anything the old .44-40 could ever do with a smaller, lighter bullet and that round killed a "ton" of game in its day. I can't see you hauling that rifle up into a tree stand, as pretty as it is, but it would sure be a "hoot" to take a deer from that position.
If the other place mentioned doesn't have a "disk" to fit your tang sight, you might try Lyman; I have a Lyman tang from them on my 1899 Savage that was sent with 3 different size aperatures. (Let me know if you "strike out" and I'll send you one of mine to try.) Best regards, and enjoy that purchase!

AtlLaw · « **Reply #8 on:** July 11, 2009, 04:19:27 PM »

Quote from: Skunk on July 09, 2009, 08:28:59 AM

Please post some pictures of the new rifle if you get a chance.

Here you is Skunkus! I was trying to be creative and failed miserably...

Skunk · « **Reply #9 on:** July 11, 2009, 04:47:03 PM »

Well thank you Richard. Awesome rifle. Love the caliber and the octagon barrel, not to mention the case hardened receiver, and the A grade checkered walnut. The Ubertis have that cool old frontier look. It goes nicely with the pair of revolvers. Bet it shoots as good as it looks too. That baby has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1249. In case anyone is having any problems seeing the finer details of Richard's picture, here's the factory shot:

southarkrob · « **Reply #10 on:** July 11, 2009, 04:55:04 PM »

You are making me want one more and more...but in 38 WCF...My buddy shot a deer with his a year or so and used Hornady XTP's... they open up even if it slows down some...that is a beautiful rifle...enjoy it...Robbie

AH-1 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 12, 2009, 01:39:59 AM »

sweet!!!!!.I went down to trader jacks 2 months ago and handled one.I was drooling.the action is as smooth as glass.congrads on a fine rifle.
pete

deernhog · « **Reply #12 on:** July 12, 2009, 05:15:33 AM »

My coyboy loads run in the high 600's but you barely feel them cook off. The 900 fps is about the black powder load it came out with. My Model 92 with a 20 inch barrel gains at least 250 fps with it and is accurate. I use the 265 grn Corbon (not for model 73 btw) to hunt with and the cresent metal butt plate is felt for sure. As pretty as that gun is it would have to hit the woods for a blooding. Pictures are for looking at guns are for using to me. I am envious to the max, great rifle. Is the rear disk a targe disk if so it's not for hunting any range closer than 50 yards. tried it with a .35 Rem pump and all you find is hair.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #13 on:** July 12, 2009, 07:05:15 AM »

Thanks boys, I'm right happy with her my own darn self! And I didn't pay anywhere near suggested retail!

D&H, If I can get an accurate load that clocks even 200 fps over the 850 - 900 fps SAA loads with a 250 gr. XTP I'll be happy! As well as off to my deer stand!

A huntin gun is kinda like a sportin woman... it needs to be put to the use intended, not just looked at!

I took the disk out of the tang sight and it acts as a "ghost ring" as I hoped. So I'll do my load development with the target disk in and hunt with it out.

Lurker · « **Reply #14 on:** July 12, 2009, 09:46:46 AM »

That is one really nice rifle...

I have two Cimarrons, of that same model... One is in .38-40 and one is in .44-40. I was surprised how good they looked when they arrived from Cimarron.

From my point of view, rifles designed during the American Victorian era, have a special look of grace, and beauty, about them.

Now all you need to do is find some injuns to shoot it at...

My next Cimarron rifle is going to be the same model, only in .32-20.

Bill

deernhog · « **Reply #15 on:** July 12, 2009, 02:30:16 PM »

The .35 Rem pump has taken 2 deer with the disk completely removed like you are talking about and I haven't noticed any difference in the accuracy of the gun out to 50 yards. Hunt well brother.

locutius · « **Reply #16 on:** July 12, 2009, 06:33:18 PM »

Sorry, to ask a very dumb question fellas, been out of the firearm circuit for quite some time, But is this the short action Beretta?? I think it is called the Renegade. Expect a few more dumb questions over the coming months.

Oh and the other point for posting a reply here was to say 'Damn fine looking rifle there AltLaw'. I'm developing a very real need to own one just like it.

jimster · « **Reply #17 on:** July 13, 2009, 05:26:56 AM »

I've got a bunch of 250 gr. RNFP "Cowboy" loads I'm gonna try next time I make it to the range. I'll put them across my Chrono out of a SAA then the rifle just to see the difference in velocities. The results will be interesting. I'm hopeing the 900 fps SAA load will be an 1100 fps rifle load.

I am very interested at what you find when you use the chrony. I also load my 45 Colts approaching 900 out of revolvers and have been wondering what's going on in my 92 with a 24 inch barrel with those same loads. I know I won't really know unless I did it myself with my rifle...but it sure would give me a good idea how much is gained in a rifle if someone were to check.

Thanks
Jim

AtlLaw · « **Reply #18 on:** July 13, 2009, 05:49:45 AM »

Quote from: locutius on July 12, 2009, 06:33:18 PM

is this the short action Beretta??

What am I missing here?? Is what the short action Beretta? $:-\$

Quote

I'm developing a very real need to own one just like it.

Well, when it comes to purdy guns, "you will be assimilated! Resistance is futile!

AtlLaw · « **Reply #19 on:** July 13, 2009, 06:01:38 AM »

Quote from: jimster on July 13, 2009, 05:26:56 AM

I am very interested at what you find when you use the chrony.

Hey Jim!
Yup, that be one a them things ya always puzzle about but never get around to checkin!

I think it will be REALLY interesting to compare the velocities of the same load out of a 3" and 5.5" SAA, and those velocities with the one obtained from the 24" rifle!

jimster · « **Reply #20 on:** July 13, 2009, 01:10:32 PM »

AtlLaw, I been drooling over pics of the 73 sporting rifle for too many years, and you went and got one. Good for you. Love the 45 too.

Looking at the Uberti tang sights...I read something in there about them using Lyman sights...check it out. If you have a Lyman on there you could ask them about
another inset...check this out....does Uberti use Lyman tang sights?

http://www.uberti.com/firearms/1885_high_wall.php

locutius · « **Reply #21 on:** July 13, 2009, 03:26:25 PM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on July 13, 2009, 05:49:45 AM

Quote from: locutius on July 12, 2009, 06:33:18 PM
is this the short action Beretta??

What am I missing here?? Is what the short action Beretta? $:-\$

Quote
I'm developing a very real need to own one just like it.

Well, when it comes to purdy guns, "you will be assimilated! Resistance is futile!

Sorry AltLaw, should have been more clear. I thought that maybe the Beretta was being sold under the Uberti name. I've not seen a reference to the Beretta Renagade at all so I may just have to start a topic.

I was really looking forward to Winchester getting back in to the lever guns and then disapointed to see they haven't offered the 1892 in 45 Colt. What a strange decision.

An 1873 is on the very short list. A 45 Colt is a must.

Graybeard · « **Reply #22 on:** July 13, 2009, 05:07:56 PM »

Uberti is the company that makes them. Berretta owns Uberti. The Berretta you are asking about is just a rebadged Uberti.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #23 on:** July 13, 2009, 05:13:02 PM »

Quote from: jimster on July 13, 2009, 01:10:32 PM

Looking at the Uberti tang sights...I read something in there about them using Lyman sights...check it out.

Bingo! That's the sight!

Right down to the ivory bead and globe on the front sight! See, all I had to do was look... But then we wouldn't have had this fun conversation!

Thanks for finding it for me.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #24 on:** July 13, 2009, 05:24:12 PM »

Quote from: locutius on July 13, 2009, 03:26:25 PM

Sorry AltLaw, should have been more clear.

No worries Mate! I'm a little slow at times...

Quote

I was really looking forward to Winchester getting back in to the lever guns

Me to!

I still want a '71, '86, '92 & '95!

Seen the prices on those Brownings lately!

Does the quote "you will be assimilated! Resistance is futile!" sound familiar or did I also misunderstand your forum name?

AtlLaw · « **Reply #25 on:** July 13, 2009, 05:26:21 PM »

Hey Bill! Glad you're reading the thread! I didn't want you to think I forgot your advice about loading for the toggle link action!

locutius · « **Reply #26 on:** July 13, 2009, 06:30:37 PM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on July 13, 2009, 05:24:12 PM

Quote from: locutius on July 13, 2009, 03:26:25 PM
Sorry AltLaw, should have been more clear.

No worries Mate! I'm a little slow at times...

Quote
I was really looking forward to Winchester getting back in to the lever guns

Me to! I still want a '71, '86, '92 & '95! Seen the prices on those Brownings lately!

Does the quote "you will be assimilated! Resistance is futile!" sound familiar or did I also misunderstand your forum name?

Cheers mate. Well done with the name..Yes I'm a Western and a Trekkie Fan. Pity Firefly didn't last more than one season..it was a nice blend.

At least Winchester is right when they say the 1892 is real pretty. I'm sure they will have the 45 Colt on offer very soon. Such an awesome little cartridge.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #27 on:** July 15, 2009, 10:53:52 AM »

Quote from: locutius on July 13, 2009, 06:30:37 PM

Pity Firefly didn't last more than one season..it was a nice blend.

It sure was! Great show. I can't understand why it only lasted the one season... $:-\$

Quote from: jager on July 10, 2009, 05:57:15 AM

I have a Lyman tang from them on my 1899 Savage that was sent with 3 different size aperatures.

Quote from: jimster on July 13, 2009, 01:10:32 PM

Looking at the Uberti tang sights...I read something in there about them using Lyman sights...check it out. If you have a Lyman on there you could ask them about

Well, after reading all y'alls answers it dawned on me that I have a Lyman tang sight mounted on my Marlin 336!

So I pulled the two rifles out last night and guess what!? The two disks interchange completely! So now I have two disks for the two tang sights I have; a target disk and a hunting disk!

jimster · « **Reply #28 on:** July 15, 2009, 12:43:32 PM »

Well, after reading all y'alls answers it dawned on me that I have a Lyman tang sight mounted on my Marlin 336! So I pulled the two rifles out last night and guess what!? The two disks interchange completely! So now I have two disks for the two tang sights I have; a target disk and a hunting disk!

And you didn't even have to wait for a UPS truck to drop one off!