I picked up one of the new Winchester '73s last week. I got a chance to take it out shooting today. This is the first of this pattern that I have owned so all I can compare it to are Marlin 336s, 22s, and 45-70s.
My first time out did not start well. I had cycled Federal AE 38s at home, but I had only loaded the magazine to 4 rounds. No issues. I got to the range and loaded the full 11 in the magazine. Jam. Had to head come and pull the magazine cap and empty the magazine to get clear the jam. After this I loaded a max of 6 rounds and the gun cycled just fine for the rest of the day. I am guessing the federals are right on the edge of okay case length and when combined with the decent magazine spring, presto, you get a jam.
Anyway, the gun shot very well. No problem shooting offhand at 25 yards and keeping it in the 10. 50 yards, the gun did well, and was way more challenging to keep in the 10.
Unfortunately, I used gunslick on the bore this evening. Some backed into and on the carrier. I got it off but it tarnished the brass a bit. No harm done, but it will be just Hoppe's from here on out.
Anyway, the gun is definitely smoother than my Marlins with a much lighter action. The Marlins are all JM stamped from the early 2000's. It handles well and the 38s are a breeze to shoot. I don't care for buckhorn so I have a tang site from Marble's on its way.
All in all I am happy with the gun. Definitely worth keeping, it will just take a bit to find the ammo that I like best. I have to young boys so for the time being reloading is out. I just don't have the time to work up loads. Any time I have, I want to spend shooting.