It has been more than 100 years since the Winchester Model 1873 was last made in America, but Taylor's & Company is bringing back an American-made Model 1873 with its TC73 rifle. Though the company has offered imported clones of Winchester's famous lever-action rifle for years, this particular offering stays true to the design's American roots, with every part being sourced or machined in the USA, down to the stock and screws. The barrel is rollmarked with "Winchester, Va.," where the guns are built.
Despite the classic looks and design of the Taylor's & Company TC73, there are some decidedly modern elements to the gun. For one, the rifle is chambered in 9 mm Luger, which preserves the pistol-caliber concept outlined by the original Model 1873 while making ammunition easy to obtain for modern shooters. Beneath the 18" round barrel is a tube magazine capable of holding up to 10 rounds. A side loading gate allows users to top off quickly and easily, just like the original 1873. Another modern touch is the threaded muzzle, using 5/8x24 TPI threads, which makes it easy to add a suppressor. A textured thread protector is included.
The rifle is built on a case-colored receiver, which is CNC-machined from billet steel and paired with a traditionally blued barrel and magazine tube. An attractive set of smooth American walnut furniture completes this classic-looking package. The barrel is topped with a set of semi-buckhorn sights, with a white bead front sight, and the butt includes a rubber pad to soften recoil. Inside the gun, Taylor's & Co. uses an improved, lightened carrier block, as well as a Taylor Tuned Performance Action, ensuring smooth travel of the lever and a clean trigger pull measuring 3-4 lbs.
Each Taylor's & Company TC73 measures 37.5" long, with a length of pull measuring 14", and weighs 7.82 lbs., unloaded. The suggested retail price on the rifle is $2,099. For more information, visit taylorsfirearms.com.
