Does anyone here use a '73 Winchester copy (or original) with a 30" barrel. That interests me and I'd like to hear about some experience with one.

I saw a Uberti at a cowboy action shoot.

To me, it's way too long and I don't want one.

DF

Yes, they are longer... I already have a Brush Popper with an 18" barrel and a carbine with a 19" barrel. But I have visions of a rifle with a 30" barrel and peep sights for those 100 yard matches. I guess I just need to try one.

I think you would find that 26 inches is more than enough. Once you get that much weight out there, your ability to hold and shoot it well will diminish, and that won't improve your long range shooting.

The balance of a gun that long would be unhandy as well. I would stick to a shorter barrel...

I agree with Shrapnel.

The one I saw was too long and barrel heavy. I did not like it. It was cumbersome and to me added nothing to off hand stability. In fact, to me the 30" bbl. was a hindrance.

If I had one, I'd sure make you a good deal on it...

And, when you get tired of it, you'll be wanting to make someone a good deal, too.

DF

Like I said, I already have a couple of short ones. And I really need to shoot them more.

A 20" .38 or a 24" .44/.45 is all the heavier I like. Shorter barrels or round barrel carbines feel more lively but don't hang on target for fast multiple shots.

I've got one on an 1886/71 action with a 30" octagonal barrel in 50-110, with the metalwork done by Turnbull.

WOW!!!

The ultimate Plains Bison rifle :-)

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It looks great! "'73 copy" how does '73 fit? It's not a '73 it's an '86.

Yes, an 1886, but was responding to the 30" barrel part fo the inquiry, as 30" leverguns are not very common.

Not even close. It doesn't have the long range accuracy or the killing power at distance of the single shot Sharps and Remingtons. It IS a neat rifle, though.

I have an original 127 year old 28" barreled full octagon '73 in 38-40 that I hunt deer with---when I can do so very closely. She is a nose heavy little thing and I wouldn't have ordered her that way myself but it just makes it all the more unusual/interesting to use now.

I had one with a 24" barrel, and it seemed to be about the perfect length, for me anyhow. Though I will admit that it was the only '73 I had ever handled.

I had to part with it in a moment of financial weakness; being responsible sucks.