357 winchester

[4t5]

If you were gonna buy a new 357 levergun from Winchester which would you get,model 73 or the model 92

[Streetstar]

If you were gonna buy a new 357 levergun from Winchester which would you get,model 73 or the model 92

That's like choosing between Ann Margret and Sophia Loren (just saw the movie Grumpier Old Men - LOL )

But seriously , neither is a bad choice, but I thought the '73 is favored a little bit by the Cowboy Action crowd for being a little faster

[Blaine]

You have been reading my mind....The 92 Short Rifle is lighter, the 73 is more cool.....beats me. At 1000 $$ I won't be finding out any time soon....

[Griff]

The '73. Especially since it just came out with a case-colored receiver.

[1886]

Depends. I am no fan of the rebounding hammer and the tang safety. I would opt for the 73 as there are other 92 clones floating around. Just me. 1886.

[SJPrice]

The only thought that comes to mind for me... Is there any difference in the strength of the two Winchester models? And what kind of loads did you have in mind if there is a difference in the strength? Thanks for raising an interesting discussion.

[piller]

As far as the strength, wouldn't the .357 be small enough in diameter that firearm strength would not really be an issue? Since I can find the model 92 by Taurus in .357 with stainless steel at a Pawn shop near my job for $599 new, then I would go for the model 73 just for the more period correct look and probably a smoother action. I am assuming that you are not worried about the exact cost since you stated that the two you were looking at were Winchester.

[bdhold]

hot loads for .357 and .38+P push 40,000 psi CUP.
most of the '73 reloading writers recommend keeping it below 22,000 CUP.

[M. M. Wright]

The '92 is a much stronger action and a lighter, quicker handling rifle/carbine. The '73 is much slicker feeling but is a bit heavier. You might really like a '73 carbine but Winchester is not yet making them that I know of but then Uberti is just fine with me.

[RustyJr]

While I like the looks of a 73, I would go for the 92 simply because of the strength factor. The lighter weight of the 92 over the 73 is just a bonus.

RustyJr

[Blaine]

hot loads for .357 and .38+P push 40,000 psi CUP.
most of the '73 reloading writers recommend keeping it below 22,000 CUP.

Is that just for the original 73s? Do you think Winchester would build them just as frail in the modern iterations?

[4t5]

The newest Winchester web page lists both ,I believe they are made by Miroku in japan, which if I couldn't get an American made would be my second choice. To be used as they were intended,defense,hunting,plinkin', shooting whatever needs shootin'. Here in Ct ,hunting with a rifle is extremely limited.Both are cool and would look nice next to my BIG BORE.

[RIHMFIRE]

what are you going to use it for?

[bdhold]

hot loads for .357 and .38+P push 40,000 psi CUP.
most of the '73 reloading writers recommend keeping it below 22,000 CUP.

Is that just for the original 73s? Do you think Winchester would build them just as frail in the modern iterations?

bro, I'm sure they will shoot any factory ammo, but I wouldn't shoot Double Tapp or Buffalo Bore, and those shoot wonderful in my baby rolling block
original black powder '73s were equivalent to 12,000 psi CUP.

[Ji in Hawaii]

'73 without hesitation, a non lawyered Miroku quality '73 has endless appeal.

[AJMD429]

As far as the strength, wouldn't the .357 be small enough in diameter that firearm strength would not really be an issue?

It isn't just chamber thickness though - back-thrust is still significant and the 73 supposedly isn't as able to handle that. If I had neither, I'd get the 92 as it is more handy, durable, and strong, but if I already had the 92, I'd consider the 73 - just because it is cool/different/slick. Just don't hot-rod it.

[okdee]

I got to shoot and handle a brand new Winchester 1873 carbine, 20" round barrel out of the box. I found it very clean, smooth and pleasant to shoot. I did not like the front and rear sights too much. The bland wood seemed un-Winchester like.
But, I would buy one and make a few changes here and there on it. I opened her up and found some differences inside with the links, and hammer spring. It is the same outside, but different inside.

[Grizzly Adams]

I have one of each. The 73 is by far my favorite. Sweet little rifle!

[Blaine]

I have one of each. The 73 is by far my favorite. Sweet little rifle!

The new ones?

[Streetstar]

The '73. Especially since it just came out with a case-colored receiver.

That would be cool

[Grizzly Adams]

I have one of each. The 73 is by far my favorite. Sweet little rifle!

The new ones?

Yup.

[Griff]

Both the new Winchester 1892 and 1873 are manufactured by Miroku of Japan; and, are chambered in the .357 Magnum. As such, they've both been certified by the manufacturer that they can handle any SAAMI spec'd .357Mag ammo.

While I know that the 1892 design allows a very large lattitude in hot-roddin' the rounds it's chambered in... it does have limits. But, unlike the 1892, the 1873 doesn't have a "positive" locking mechanism for the bolt. The 1892 uses two locking lugs that keep the bolt closed... the 1873 only uses leverage as provided by the toggle links being straight when the bolt is fully forward.

Cross-sectional view of the 1892 with the lugs lowered and bolt rearward:


And one of the 1873:

[Meeteetse]

Personally I would go with the 92, especially since I already have a Browning BL-92 in .357 I bought nearly 25 (?) years ago. I also have an Italian 73 in 45 Colt that is a great rifle, but I would have to go with the rifle that Hollywood says was the gun of choice from just after the Civil war until sometime in the 1900's. John Wayne movies were always technically correct weren't they? Always wondered why they called it the 92?