Navy Arms Uberti ’73 1873 Sporting Rifle 44/40 Win. 20.25″ Lever Rifle 1978
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 220518TR002
Make: Navy Arms Co, Uberti
Model: 1873, Sporting Rifle
Serial#: 33342
Year of Manufacture: 1978, Italian date code “AD”
Caliber: .44/40 WCF
Action Type: Lever-Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “NAVY ARMS CO. RIDGEFIELD N.J.” and “MADE IN ITALY”. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked “CAL. 44/40”. The left shoulder of the barrel is marked with two proof marks and the “AD” date code. The bottom of the receiver is marked with two proofs in front of the lifter and the Uberti logo at the rear of the lifter. The bottom tang is marked with the serial number “33342”. The upper tang is marked “MOD. 73 SPORTING RIFLE”.
Barrel Length: 24.25”, Octagonal
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade that is dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the barrel. The sight leaf is also fine adjustable via a screw.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stocks are two-piece wood featuring a capped forearm, a straight grip and comb, and a crescent steel buttplate. The wood appears to have been refinished at some point. There are dispersed compressions, draglines, and light scuffs. There is a more notable compression on the left side of the forearm at the rear. There is a notable gash on the comb near the heel. A leather buttstock sleeve is included separately. The LOP is approximately 13” from the front trigger to the rear end of the buttplate. The buttplate shows a plum hue with some scattered light erosion and finish loss. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition and would rate higher if not for the repaired chip at the toe.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, just some stubborn fouling in the grooves.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 77% of its metal finish. There is scattered finish loss along the right side of the barrel. There are also some scattered freckles of loss to erosion on the right side of the receiver and lever. There are several nicks, dings, and scratches throughout. There is thinning at all leading edges. The case coloring on the receiver is receding from the edges. The nose cap shows a plum hue with finish loss on the left. The markings are clear. The screwheads are serviceable. Overall, the rifle is in Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever safety is present and functional. The lever lock is present. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The previously mentioned buttstock sleeve is included as well as 200 .44/40 casings, 250 cast bullets, a Lee Precision factory crimp die, and a pacesetter die set.
Our Assessment: This Navy Arms distributed Uberti Model 1873 is a lever action rifle that takes .44/40 WCF. The rifle is a beautifully made replica of the Winchester model 1873 remembered as “The Gun that Won the West”. A popular Western starring James “Jimmy” Stewart, Winchester ‘73 was based on the coveted gun. This rifle comes with a myriad of reloading equipment. It has a bright bore with sharp rifling. This rifle clearly has plenty of life left in it. Please see our photos and good luck!