I debated getting this version over the Italian replicas but finally decided having the Winchester brand name was paramount. Also, this version has no tang safety, unlike the Japanese 1892 re-makes. Fit and finish are quite good, although wood to metal fit is not up to 19th Century Winchester standards. It’s quite a good looking gun notwithstanding. As for authenticity, the markings, obviously, do not duplicate original markings; however, if you handed it to a 19th Century cowboy, it would be instantly recognizable. It even has a faux silver blade for the front sight and the ladder type carbine rear sight. I noted that the sights exhibit a very slight cant to the left, but this did not overly concern me. The action was a bit stiff out of the box, but I suspect this will smooth out over time. All in all, I am well pleased.

Excellent rifle. Well made as all of miroku winchesters are. Shoots dead on at 50 yards right out of the box. I'm a dedicated 44-40 fan and have a winchester 1866 and some 1892's also. They all shoot great and are very well made. This 1873 src is no exception. I think they are tighter built than the uberti's. You can definitely tell a difference between them. I wouldn't hesitate to buy this or any firearm from bud's. Very professional service and communication and fast shipping.

Very pleased with the New Winchester Model 1873 Carbine in .44-40 that I purchased from Buds. I was excited to see Winchester offer this for the new year since this is the version I really wanted ever since the Winchester Miroku "Short Rifle" version was released a few years back. The saddle ring carbine with 20 inch barrel is the one I always wanted, and I am looking forward to shooting this beauty when I get the chance.

When I found out that these did NOT have an external safety it did not take long to get one won order and Buds had the best price and was super fast getting the gun to my FFL. I love all the Winchester lever actions, but the presence of the tang safety on the 86, and 92 has always been a “deal killer” for me on Winchester/Miroku made guns.. If Winchester would ever offer these without external safeties I would buy them in a heartbeat , I do not own any Uberti lever actions to compare this to, but the fit, finish and function on this gun is excellent and the cost is less than what I’ve seen on the comparable Uberti carbine. No safety and the gun says “Winchester Model 1873” on the tang. What more could you want.? The Miroku made Winchester 1866s also do not have external safeties, I’m sure I’ll be buying one the the next time they are offered as carbines. I’ve not shot this too much yet because I want to get the Marbles tang sight before I do any serious shooting.