Uberti Carbine
- Thread starter Kobayashi
- Start date
I've wanted to add a lever-action after shooting one a couple of years ago; While I don't need it and don't have any real use for one (it would be a safe-queen), I'm still intrigued ... the same level of intrigue that caused me to grab an M1 Garand, that also sits in the safe.
Your post reminded me of a comparison article I read a little while back when I was comparing a Uberti to a Marlin:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_big-boy_1894C_1873.htm - They compared a Uberti 1873, a Henry Big boy and a Marlin 1894C.
Long story short if you don't want to read the whole article:
"Summary and conclusion
The Uberti Model 1873 is the prettiest and the most traditional of these rifles. It is also the most expensive. Shooting this rifle is like going back in time. It has the smoothest and most reliable (not to mention interesting) action and comes with the best sights. Oddly, it also has the heaviest trigger pull, and that needs to be fixed by a gunsmith. If your budget is large, you are traditionalist, and you intend to shoot with iron sights anyway, the Uberti Model 1873 is probably the optimum way to go.
The Marlin is the least expensive rifle, easiest to scope, lightest to carry and the fastest handling. Its finish is subdued compared to the other two, but it has nice lines. For the serious hunter or back packer it is the most practical choice.
The Henry falls somewhere between the Uberti Model 1873 and the Marlin 1894C, although closer to the Model 1873 in price and overall impression. It is a very pretty rifle, considerably more handsome than the Marlin, but not as drop dead beautiful as the Uberti. It is a lot more trouble to scope than the Marlin, but at least there is provision for scope mounting. Its action is smoother than the Marlin in operation (although in the case of our test rifle less reliable), but not as smooth as the Model 1873.
Despite their similar applications and identical caliber, these rifles sell at markedly different price points. That will probably be the deciding factor for many customers. Whichever you choose, I predict that you will not be disappointed."
Your post reminded me of a comparison article I read a little while back when I was comparing a Uberti to a Marlin:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_big-boy_1894C_1873.htm - They compared a Uberti 1873, a Henry Big boy and a Marlin 1894C.
Long story short if you don't want to read the whole article:
"Summary and conclusion
The Uberti Model 1873 is the prettiest and the most traditional of these rifles. It is also the most expensive. Shooting this rifle is like going back in time. It has the smoothest and most reliable (not to mention interesting) action and comes with the best sights. Oddly, it also has the heaviest trigger pull, and that needs to be fixed by a gunsmith. If your budget is large, you are traditionalist, and you intend to shoot with iron sights anyway, the Uberti Model 1873 is probably the optimum way to go.
The Marlin is the least expensive rifle, easiest to scope, lightest to carry and the fastest handling. Its finish is subdued compared to the other two, but it has nice lines. For the serious hunter or back packer it is the most practical choice.
The Henry falls somewhere between the Uberti Model 1873 and the Marlin 1894C, although closer to the Model 1873 in price and overall impression. It is a very pretty rifle, considerably more handsome than the Marlin, but not as drop dead beautiful as the Uberti. It is a lot more trouble to scope than the Marlin, but at least there is provision for scope mounting. Its action is smoother than the Marlin in operation (although in the case of our test rifle less reliable), but not as smooth as the Model 1873.
Despite their similar applications and identical caliber, these rifles sell at markedly different price points. That will probably be the deciding factor for many customers. Whichever you choose, I predict that you will not be disappointed."
Uberti FTW. Lever guns are a lot of fun one day I will get a .357 lever. A guy I work with has one and shots his all the time. .38s aren't as loud, no real recoil, and are cheap. Throw some mags in the tube and you're capable of bringing down any threat in Georgia. You'll also have a heirloom piece in that. I had an Uberti 1858 Remington Conversion and it was the smoothest and tightest locking revolver I've ever handled. Their quality is top notch.
The cautions that I've read so far:
- the 1873 isn't as strong a design as a model 92 or a Marlin 336, and may not hold up well with the pressures of modern magnum rounds.
- accuracy isn't fantastic beyond 50 yards.
The Marlin is probably the more logical choice, but these days it's hard to find a JM for much less than the Uberti.
- the 1873 isn't as strong a design as a model 92 or a Marlin 336, and may not hold up well with the pressures of modern magnum rounds.
- accuracy isn't fantastic beyond 50 yards.
The Marlin is probably the more logical choice, but these days it's hard to find a JM for much less than the Uberti.
It's not really fair to compare a '73 with a Marlin or a '92. Sure, they may all be lever guns but they are completely different. That'd be like comparing a Colt SAA with a Ruger Blackhawk or S&W Model 29.
I've wanted one for a while. The Marlins are stronger, but these aren't fighting rifles anyway. That Uberti just looks so damn good.