How does it handle comparitive to an 1873 carbine?
I regret to say, I didn't try a '73 carbine that day. For that matter, I don't recall ever shouldering an original. I'm certain a few were on the wall, but my son and I were drooling over British doubles and singles that day. The '66 caught my eye, though. It was sitting in a corner next to some '85s. It was pretty badly beat up but must have been gorgeous when new, for the engraving was first rate.
I think Madis wrote the '73 receiver is a bit lighter than the '66, despite the latter being a little shorter. Also, this '66 had the heavier crescent butt (much more stylish, I think), and that would change the balance.
Earlier this year, I had a brief chance to get one of these Uberti carbines. I didn't want a 45 and I didn't care for the laser engraving pattern. After last week's encounter, not purchasing it became another regret:
Every once in a while, I send a note to Taylor's suggesting they need to commission a short run of these in 44, sans engraving. Maybe I should just get a standard carbine from them along with a rifle buttstock.