Description
KTW Winchester M1873 (Rifle – Long)
The KTW Winchester M1873 Rifle is a full-length, spring-powered lever-action airsoft replica of the famous Winchester 1873, often called the gun that won the West. This is the long rifle version, with its full-length barrel and classic profile, ideal for collectors, Western enthusiasts and players who want something completely different on the field.
KTW is a Japanese maker with a long-standing reputation for well-engineered, characterful replicas of classic firearms, and its Winchester 1873 models are some of the most admired lever-action replicas in airsoft. They are spring powered and cocked by working the lever, just as you would expect, which makes every shot a satisfying piece of mechanical theatre. The full rifle is the longest and most elegant of KTW’s 1873 versions.
How it works
To shoot, work the lever down and back up: this cocks the spring and readies a BB. Pull the trigger and the spring drives the BB down the barrel. There is no battery and no gas, so the rifle behaves the same in any weather and never runs flat.
BBs are held in a removable magazine rod housed in the tube under the barrel, styled like the real rifle’s tubular magazine. Retailers list a capacity of 37 BBs per magazine rod, and a twist of a knob releases the rod for reloading. Carrying a spare, pre-loaded rod makes reloading quick.
Build and handling
Retailers list an overall length of around 1100mm and a weight of around 2.65kg for the rifle, which gives it a long sight line and a steady, balanced hold. Metal is used for the cocking mechanism, hammer, barrel and trigger, and an adjustable metal rear sight lets you fine-tune your aim.
Working the lever smoothly between shots quickly becomes second nature. The rifle is best used deliberately, choosing shots and enjoying the rhythm of the lever, rather than trying to match electric rifles for volume of fire.
On the field and off
At a skirmish, a lever-action rifle makes a great themed or challenge weapon, particularly in woodland where careful positioning matters more than volume of fire. Off the field, it is a fine display piece and an enjoyable target rifle for practising shot placement.
Key features
- Winchester 1873-style lever-action rifle
- Full-length long rifle version
- Spring powered, cocked by the lever
- Removable magazine rod in the under-barrel tube
- 37 BBs per magazine rod (per retailer listings)
- Metal cocking mechanism, hammer, barrel and trigger
- Adjustable metal rear sight
- No battery or gas needed
What’s in the box
- KTW Winchester M1873 Rifle
- Spare magazine rod (listed by retailers)
Compatibility
The rifle uses KTW Winchester 1873 magazine rods, and spare rods are the best way to extend your time between reloads. Use good-quality seamless 6mm BBs; a 0.20g BB is a sensible starting point. Retailers list a fixed hop-up on KTW’s 1873 models, so find a BB weight that flies well and stay with it.
The 1873 suits Western and period loadouts, and a leather-style sling or scabbard completes the look. Check the listing photos if you want to confirm the finish of the furniture.
Care and maintenance
Spring replicas are about as low-maintenance as airsoft gets, but avoid dry-firing without BBs where you can, as the piston then hits the cylinder head without any resistance. Store the rifle uncocked so the spring is not left compressed for long periods.
Keep the magazine and feed area free from grit, use clean seamless BBs, and run a cleaning rod with a soft patch through the inner barrel now and then. Wipe the rifle over after a damp or muddy game and store it somewhere cool and dry.
Work the lever through its full travel rather than short-stroking it, and wipe metal parts over with a lightly oiled cloth if the rifle has been out in damp weather.
Who is it for?
The M1873 Rifle suits Western and period enthusiasts, collectors of classic replicas, target shooters who enjoy a lever action and players who want a distinctive challenge weapon.
Please note: BBs are not included. A spring rifle needs no battery or gas. Always wear suitable eye protection, and full-face protection where your site requires it, when using or testing any airsoft replica.
Please note: what's in the box can vary between batches. If a detail such as included magazines, battery, charger or connector type matters to you, contact us or call 01842 683567 and we'll confirm before you order.
