Navy Arms lever gun purchase?

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C5rider

C5rider

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I'm currently looking at a Navy Arms Model 73 (357 caliber) lever gun to round out my gunsafe. I've tried to do some 'net recon but have found very little to help me make up my mind. So, I come to the knowedgeable group at THR.

The gun is used, but not abused. It looks in good shape with some nice wood. Doesn't look like it's been shot much and the bluing looks nice. Everything I can see tells me that it's an older version of a fairly-well cared for firearm. A LGS has it for sale and said he'd take $450.

Now, not knowing much about these guns, I'd like to round out my lever gun collection with a 357 to match my 22 and 44 calibers. I've got matching single action shooters for all three calibers so this would round out the lever/wheelgun combos.

I'd rather not get into "this is better" type of thread and would rather focus on the merits of the Navy Arms lever gun for that price. Worth it or no?

Were these built by Rossi and imported by Navy Arms? Also, there is a round indentation on the butt plate of the gun with a small button in it. I'm not sure what that is for. Thoughts?

As always, any info is greatly appreciated!
 
Were these built by Rossi and imported by Navy Arms? Also, there is a round indentation on the butt plate of the gun with a small button in it. I'm not sure what that is for. Thoughts?
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It was made by Uberti and imported by navy arms. The "button" on the buttplate is where the cleaning rod is stored. $450.00? Tell me where it is and I'll pick it up for myself...then you wont have to worry yourself with it.

Seriously just be sure to check the bore for pitting as lots of cas shooters use blackpowder in them to keep the old time flavor alive in them.
 
Here's a quick look at the gun in question. It appears to be in pretty good shape with just a little wear on the stock. The cleaning rod is not found in the butt plate opening so, wondering where someone might find one of those.

The rifling looks great and the action seems to run smoothly. All information that I can find shows that the '73s were manufactured by Uberti. Overall, I like the gun and I think the price is right. Anyone's thoughts?
 

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If that is an Uberti 1873, would literally take the rest of the day off of work to go buy that if I knew where it was available for that price.
 
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Actually I would say that it was made by armi san paolo. The telltale sign for me is the front sight is just like an original, sort of a square post inset in the barrel with a bead on top. The Uberti's will have the sight integral with the front barrel band. Also the spot for the cleaning rods I don't think Uberti ever did, but could be wrong on that. These ASP's were about 7/8's or so the size of the originals and the Uberti's, therefore not many parts will swap. I had one in 44/40 that was a very nice shooting carbine, they seem very well made. At the $450 I think it would be worth it if it is functional now.
 
The gun will say on it somewhere who the maker was, you just need to look.
Denis
 
If that is an Uberti 1873, would literally take the rest of the day off of work to go buy that if I knew where it was available for that price.
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SilicoSys,

It appears that it was made by Uberti, but not marketed as one. What I'd like to figure out is, does it have the quality and following of a Uberti or, was it neutered somehow to reach into a lesser market?

I've seen a few references but, haven't been able to locate much as of yet.
 
Goody3086 said:
Actually I would say that it was made by armi san paolo. The telltale sign for me is the front sight is just like an original, sort of a square post inset in the barrel with a bead on top. The Uberti's will have the sight integral with the front barrel band. Also the spot for the cleaning rods I don't think Uberti ever did, but could be wrong on that. These ASP's were about 7/8's or so the size of the originals and the Uberti's, therefore not many parts will swap. I had one in 44/40 that was a very nice shooting carbine, they seem very well made. At the $450 I think it would be worth it if it is functional now.
Click to expand...

The 1873 Uberti I have has the front sight attached to the barrel, directly behind the barrel band. Later Uberti 1873 have the sight integral to the barrel band.
Technically, both are correct. There are according to historians, four major variations of the Winchester 1873 (who knows how many sub-variants) and early 1873s used the same front sight style as the earlier 1866 "Improved Henry" often refered to as the "Golden Boy." Later types used the separate styles like the Uberti I have.
I really don't think Armi San Paolo ever made 1873s ... but I could be wrong.
However I am fairly certain the OP's photos is of a Uberti made repro, just an older style than is marketed now.
 
Uberti will, or would "flex" the quality of fit and finish for importers depending on what price point they want to sell at.
Navy Arms always sold the top of the line versions.

The older Navy Arms carbines had the front sight attached to the barrel. later Uberti carbines use the barrel band mount. I preferred the barrel mounted version.
Strangely, Uberti often didn't drill a hole in the stock for the cleaning rod, but did install the sliding door in the butt plate.

These are simply gorgeous rifles and are very well made and finished.
Accuracy is usually excellent and there's just "something" about that massive receiver and the sound the action makes as the brass cartridge elevator raises and drops.
The price is excellent ++
 
Buy it now before it's too late.
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Took care of that today!

Now to get it to the range and see how she shoots. I reload 38 and 357s so we'll see how it goes. I had a chance to sit down with the gun a little bit and I like what i see.

I'll let you all know how it shoots once I've got a chance. Sounds like it was a good deal. Shooting it will let us know.

thanks!
 
Thanks!

I had a Marlin 30-30 (Mod 336) when I was much younger. I sold it and always regretted that. I don't do much deer hunting any more but I still enjoy shooting and this gun, along with my other leverguns (22, 44mag) will certainly allow me to keep the actions moving. Paper, tin cans and reactive targets are all just as dead with any one of these rounds as they would be with a necked-down shoulder-thumper. :D

Plus, I've got the dies to reload them, 'cept for the 22!
 
Look for some truncated cone flat point (TCFP) bullets. They feed well in the lever guns.

The Uberti '73 is the most coveted rifle among cowboy action shooters. Enjoy!
 
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