Description
KTW Winchester 1873 (Randall – Short)
The KTW Winchester 1873 Randall is the short, cut-down version of KTW’s spring-powered Winchester 1873 lever-action replica, styled after the famous short-barrelled lever-action carried by Josh Randall in the Western television series Wanted: Dead or Alive. It is compact, characterful and instantly recognisable to fans of classic Westerns.
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 Randall is the most compact 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
A UK retailer lists the Randall at around 63cm long and approximately 1.7kg, with zinc alloy construction and a walnut-effect finish. The lever arms, outer and inner barrels and front and rear sights are metal, and the rear sight is adjustable. A retailer also notes an upgraded barrel.
The short length makes the Randall quick and handy, almost like a large pistol, and it is easy to carry as a secondary or for a themed loadout. Working the lever with one hand takes practice, but it is very satisfying once mastered.
Carrying and loading
The Randall’s short length suits a large belt holster or saddle-style scabbard for themed loadouts, or a simple sling for skirmishing. Keep the spare magazine rod loaded in a pouch, and practise releasing and refitting the rod so that reloading is smooth when it matters. It is a replica to enjoy for its character and handling at close to medium range.
Key features
- Short Randall-style Winchester 1873 lever action
- Spring powered, cocked by the lever
- Removable 37-round magazine rod (per published specifications)
- Spare magazine listed as included
- Zinc alloy construction with walnut-effect finish
- Metal lever, barrels and sights
- Adjustable metal rear sight
- No battery or gas needed
What’s in the box
- KTW Winchester 1873 Randall
- Spare magazine rod (listed by a UK retailer)
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 Randall has been out in damp weather.
Who is it for?
The Randall suits Western fans, collectors, players building a themed loadout and anyone who wants a compact, characterful lever-action replica.
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.
