1873 Winchester Spinner Challenge

Published on June 22, 2022
Duration: 5:08

This video demonstrates the 'Spinner Challenge' using a 1873 Winchester lever-action rifle chambered in .45 Colt but loaded to .44-40 specifications. The challenge involves hitting a spinner target at 25 yards. The presenter highlights the controllability and relatively fast cycling of the lever gun, suggesting it was the 'assault rifle' of its day. Despite some challenges with the iron sights, the rifle proves effective for this type of shooting.

Quick Summary

The 1873 Winchester lever-action rifle, even when chambered in .45 Colt and loaded to .44-40 specifications, is effective for dynamic shooting challenges like the spinner challenge at 25 yards. Its controllability and cycling speed are key advantages, though iron sights may require practice for rapid target acquisition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 1873 Winchester Spinner Challenge
  2. 00:05Ammunition: .44-40 vs .45 Colt Specs
  3. 00:36Setting Up the Challenge: 25 Yards
  4. 00:58First Attempt at the Spinner
  5. 01:38Second Shooter's Turn
  6. 01:54Review of the 1873 Lever Gun Performance
  7. 02:10Sighting System Challenges
  8. 02:22Potential for Improved Sights
  9. 02:38Modern Lever Guns and Restrictions
  10. 02:49Historical Context: 'Assault Rifle' of its Day
  11. 02:55Civilian vs. Military Use of Lever Guns
  12. 03:07Conclusion: Spinner Challenge Success

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 1873 Winchester rifle be used for dynamic shooting challenges like the spinner challenge?

Yes, the 1873 Winchester lever-action rifle proved capable of engaging a spinner target at 25 yards. While the iron sights presented some challenge for rapid acquisition, the rifle's controllability and cycling speed allowed for successful completion of the drill.

What ammunition specifications are relevant for a 1873 Winchester in this challenge?

The rifle was chambered in .45 Colt but loaded with cartridges mimicking .44-40 specifications, featuring a 200-grain bullet. This highlights the historical context where .45 Colt rims were less suitable for lever guns than .44-40.

What are the advantages of the 1873 Winchester for shooting drills?

The 1873 Winchester offers excellent controllability and a relatively fast cycling action, making it effective for shooting drills. Its capacity, holding around 13 rounds in the tube, also contributes to its utility without requiring immediate accessory loading.

What challenges might a shooter face with a 1873 Winchester during a spinner challenge?

The primary challenge identified was the iron sight system, specifically the notch sight and front post, which can be slower to acquire on a moving target compared to modern sights. However, with practice, this can be overcome.

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