Navy Arms Uberti 73 1873 .357 Magnum Short Stroke Lever Action Rifle 2001
SOLD FOR: $1385
LSB#: 211123RH01
Make: Navy Arms Co., Mfg. By Uberti
Model: 1873 Border Deluxe
Serial Number: 86831
Year of Manufacture: 2001 (BP Date Code)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ Full Length Mag Tube
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “NAVY ARMS CO. RIDGEFIELD N.J. MADE IN ITALY”, the top rear is marked “CAL. 357 MAG.” The bottom of the receiver is marked “CAT. 5991” over an Italian proof mark and the BP date code. The upper tang is marked “MODEL. 1873.”. The lower tang is marked “A.UBERTI ITALY” and with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded with a serrated rear face that is dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flat top U-notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered wood with a capped forearm, pistol grip, and a straight comb. There is a leather stock cover that we could not safely remove without damaging to check the buttplate. The cover shows scattered light wear with staining on the left side. There are no rips or tears. The wood shows some scattered light draglines and compressions scattered about. There is a chip in the bottom edge of the grip. The checkering is sharp with a couple of minor interruptions on the left side of the pistol grip. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the end of the stock cover. The stocks rate in about Good-Plus overall condition and would rate higher if not for the chip.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 83% of its metal finish. There is thinning throughout the barrel, mag tube, and the case coloring on the receiver is receding on the edges. The case coloring on the receiver has gone mute completely. There are light nicks and scratches throughout the various surfaces. There are some streaks of finish loss on the left side plate. There is standard operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The action has been short-stroked. Per the consignor, the short-stroke is a Cowboys & Indians 4th Generation. The lever safety is present and functional. The lever lock has been removed. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A leather buttstock cover is included.
Our Assessment: The Model 1873 was one of the most successful Winchester rifles of its day, with Winchester marketing it as “The Gun That Won the West”. Still an icon in the modern day, it was manufactured between 1873 and 1923. It was originally chambered for the .44-40 cartridge, which was the first centerfire cartridge and which became immensely popular. The 1873 was later produced in .38-40 and .32-20, all of which later became popular handgun cartridges of the day, allowing users to carry just one type of ammunition. Uberti is known for making quality reproductions of classic firearms, and they have also introduced more modern cartridges to the model. This is a .357 Magnum Model 1873 that is in about Very Good condition with a solid bore. The rifle is a nice example of the Border Deluxe with a 20″ octagonal barrel and checkered pistol grip stock. It has had a short stroke modification performed, making it ideal for use in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions, especially with .38 Special cartridges which will also function in the rifle. The previous owner made sure to properly maintain this rifle as it is shown through the smooth mechanics and bright bore. Please see our photos and good luck!