Competition shooters like a rifle that is smooth right out of the box, and this Winchester 1873 is set up with that in mind. It is chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special, has a 20-inch barrel, and holds ten rounds. The weight is listed at 7.25 pounds, and the stock is black walnut.

It is a high grade carbine with a gold bead front sight, and the walnut stock gives it a nice warm finish. At 7.25 pounds, the rifle has a bit of heft that steadies the sights and softens recoil, especially when running .38 Special loads at a match.

For cowboy action, ten rounds and a lever action in a revolver cartridge are exactly what the rules reward. The gold bead front sight picks up quickly on steel targets, and the 1873 action is known for a short, easy lever stroke.

Outside the matches, it is a fine ranch rifle for coyotes and hogs at moderate distance, and for deer where straight-wall cartridge laws permit. Wipe it down, oil the action, and keep it dry. It ships to your FFL dealer, and the background check takes place there.