In 1873, Oliver Winchester introduced his new steel-framed lever-action rifle, creating what would eventually be known as the “Gun That Won the West.”
The Model 1873 was originally chambered in a new, more powerful cartridge, the .44/40—a .44 caliber bullet propelled by 40 grains of black powder. However, one big factor that really ensured the success of the 1873 was that Colt quickly responded by offering its frontier six-shooter chambered in .44/40.
A cowboy could have both a lever-action rifle and his “Peacemaker” and need only one cartridge belt.
Today, the 1873 is the most popular rifle used in cowboy action shooting. Beretta’s new 1873 Renegade takes this popular design to the next level as the first factory-produced 1873 rifle with a shorter action stroke length, straight butt plate and gold bead front sight—”race ready” right out of the box! Available in .45 colt and .357 Mag.