EMF Uberti 1866 Mod.66 Yellow Boy .44-40 Lever Action Texas Jack Engraved
SOLD FOR: $1,059.99
LSB#: WY241202MH030
Make: A. Uberti, E.M.F.
Model: 1866 Sporting Rifle 20” 44-40 SPL Yellow Boy
Serial Number: 52032
Year of Manufacture: 1989 (AU Date Code)
Caliber: 44-40
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full Length Mag Tube
Markings: The top of the barrel E.M.F. Co LA CAL.”. The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “A. UBERTI & C.GARDONE V.T.ITALY”. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked “CAL. 44/40”. The top tang is marked “MOD. 66 SPORTING RIFLE”. The bottom tang is marked “CAT. 1570 A. UBERTI & C. ITALY”, “52032” with 3 proofs. The receiver is engraved and initialed on the bottom “FWL” for Frank W. Lehman also known as Texas Jack.
Barrel Length: 20”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight dovetail is filled with a blank. The tang is mounted with a Marble’s peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with straight grip, straight comb, brass forend cap, and a brass buttplate. The buttstock has a leather stock cover laced to the buttstock. There is a turn safety switch on the lower tang that locks the lever from actuating. There are some compression marks and shallow nicks scattered throughout the stocks. There are no chips or cracks. The sides of the forend have been engraved with a star pattern with blank banners in the centers. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is operation wear on the lever and hammer. There is tarnish and oxidation freckled about the receiver, primarily on top. There is corrosion on the muzzle and front of the magtube. The screw heads are tool marked but retain serviceable slots. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever lock is present. The hammer has a quarter cock safety position. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Uberti Model 1866 Sporting Rifle “Yellow Boy” in .44-40 WCF is a faithful reproduction of one of the most iconic rifles of the Old West. Originally introduced by Winchester in 1866 as their first successful lever-action rifle, the Model 1866 quickly earned the nickname “Yellow Boy” due to its distinctive brass frame. The Uberti reproduction captures the historical charm and craftsmanship of the original, featuring a beautifully polished brass receiver, a blued steel octagonal barrel, and a smooth walnut stock. Chambered in .44-40 Winchester, a cartridge introduced in 1873 and widely used in both rifles and revolvers of the era, this rifle maintains the historical authenticity sought after by cowboy action shooters, reenactors, and collectors alike.
The rifle’s lever-action mechanism is smooth and reliable, feeding cartridges from a tubular magazine beneath the barrel. The brass crescent buttplate and forend cap add to its period-correct aesthetics, while the open iron sights ensure a traditional shooting experience. Uberti’s attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship make this rifle a prized addition for those who appreciate the legacy of the American West, whether for historical shooting, collecting, or simply enjoying the nostalgia of a classic frontier firearm. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
