Since childhood I have always had a love for the old west and now as an adult it hasn't faded. Just has become a bit more expensive.
Anyway, I have been in search for a rifle in 44-40 caliber for quite some time. I found plenty but just not the deal I was hoping for until this last weekend. I went to a gun show and came across what I thought was a deal I could not pass up.
I am making this post because after getting home with my new-to-me rifle I was comparing it to my other similar rifle (only in 45 Colt caliber) and I noticed a difference in the rifle frames.
Now both of these rifles are Uberti 1873 replicas (excellent rifles by the way). One I have had now for about 10 years and is a 1873 Deluxe Sporting Rifle imported by Cimarron (bottom rifle in photo). The one I just acquired the past weekend is an older 1873 Sporting Rifle imported by Navy Arms (upper rifle in photo). The gentleman I purchased it from told me it had been in his safe for about 15 years and to his knowledge had never been fired. I have antiquated them both because I shoot them and don't want them to look new. Besides I just think they have more character antiqued.
Look at the difference in the frames. The newer Cimarron has only one screw on the left side back by the butt stock. I think that is the screw that holds the lower tang in place. The older Navy Arms rifle has three screws. I am assuming this was perhaps an upgrade change that took place sometime during Uberti's production.
Has anyone else noticed this and do they might know the particulars to the difference?