1873 45 cal uberti lever action
John Taffin, I read your letter to editor in Shooting Times. I do not own an Uberti Model 1873, but for those that do, and if you don't reload and only shoot factory ammo, how would one know what factory ammo is safe?? Are ALL 45 colt loads from Garrett Cartridges, Buffalo Bore, and Double Tap, unsafe to shoot in the 1873? I personally would have thought if a 45 colt FACTORY made load was safe to shoot in a handgun, it would be safe to shoot in a lever action rifle. I know darn well that there are a whole bunch of people on this forum that are MUCH SMARTER than me, and would know what loads you can safely shoot, and might think my question is kinda a dumb question, but just how would one know what factory ammo is safe for that rifle??
You need to remember it is the design that is
on the weak side too. The toggle link levers just straighten out and brace themselves so to speak. They have modern steels that are of a consistent hardness and in theory could hold more pressure but it's not to be tested, just held in safety reserve. The old replica .45 Colt loads are held to much lower pressures. The "Ruger Level" loads are much higher pressure and are to be avoided in loaded ammo too. Typically the ammo will be marked "For Ruger or Modern Type firearms only" etc. The ones you cited are for the hot Ruger level and not the old 1973 actions.
Also I found mine had a bit weak extractor, it would sometimes jump it and I'd have to pry it out with my pocket knife. The .45 Colt was never a factory offered round in the carbines. I think this the reason, that teeny rim, compared to the .44 & .38 WCF, .32/.25 -20's.
I love the slick function of the 73 and 76' actions. I also like how the ammo is exposed and you can see the mechanics in function. I need to get me another. I like the 24" (such perfected heft and carry balance) version but the shorter ones have my eye too.
24" TOO LONG FOR ME; I CUT
'EM BACK TO 16"
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