japanese winchester model 1873

[eljay]

just wondering if any of you rich brits have bought a new winchester (miroku) 1873. price in Oz is just over $2000, and only comes in .357 short rifle style. read some reports from the yoo ess ay, lots of discussion about not being a faithful copy etc. comparing it to uberti, would like one in .44-40, but cant justify the cost, so thought i would live vicariously through one of you wealthy buggers smile2

[Sandgroper]

Haven't heard of the 1873 until now, but then again lever actions aren't really my thing - although I do own a '94 Win Legacy with 13 1/4 inch barrel.

The couple of reviews I've read seem to give it the thumbs up - http://www.chuckhawks.com/winchester_1873_sporter.htm

http://www.shootingtimes.com/2013/06/18 ... le-review/

[GRSporth1]

Can't comment on these new Miroku ones, but I have an original '73 and a Uberti copy, both are great to shoot and are smoother and far more reliable than any of the '94 based actions.
I don't ever recall having had a jam with a '73 action (other than once when it was my fault - I made some ammo a few thou too long).

[eljay]

i owned an armi san paolo years back in .44-40, seemed ever so slightly smaller/neater/trimmer than my mates uberti, he managed to fire a .44mag in his, apart from a new set of linkages all was fine. there is another ASP for sale here for $1000, lot of coin, but half the price of a new japchester. will have to give it some serious thought.