Browning 53 or Uberti 1873 32-20

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msmith1228
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Browning 53 or Uberti 1873 32-20

Post by msmith1228 »

I am thinking about buying a Browning model 53 or a Uberti 1873 in 32-20. I am some trouble making up my mind. Any opinions?

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Re: Browning 53 or Uberti 1873 32-20

Post by mescalero1 »

Browning
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Re: Browning 53 or Uberti 1873 32-20

Post by Grizzly Adams »

Well, the Browning is pretty nice, but that Uberti 73 in 32WCF is SWEET! :wink:
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Chuck 100 yd
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Re: Browning 53 or Uberti 1873 32-20

Post by Chuck 100 yd »

I own and shoot both. The browning is probably the most accurate levergun I own with jacketed bullets and loads pushing the max. No slouch with cast either and just plain SWEET.

The Uberti is just CLASS!! very accurate with cast bullets
(mine will never see jacketed bullets). They are just SWEET little rifles and slick as can be!

If you need to run it hard the Browning is the way to go. If you like a sweet rifle with class buy the 73 or do like me and get both. :D
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RIHMFIRE
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Re: Browning 53 or Uberti 1873 32-20

Post by RIHMFIRE »

Tough choice!
i have a couple of 73s already...
so I would go for the browning....
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Re: Browning 53 or Uberti 1873 32-20

Post by Sixgun »

Same cartridge--two entirely different rifles. Hunting--the Model 53--Silhouette/target--The Uberti----------If neither of these reasons excite you, go with the one that stirs your soul.--------------------------Sixgun
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Leverluver
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Re: Browning 53 or Uberti 1873 32-20

Post by Leverluver »

I just got one of the 73s (pistol grip short rifle) so I'm biased :mrgreen: .
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Re: Browning 53 or Uberti 1873 32-20

Post by Ysabel Kid »

Both? :D

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Re: Browning 53 or Uberti 1873 32-20

Post by KirkD »

Two very different guns. Both are repros of famous Winchesters. The original Winchester Model 53 is quite rare compared to original Winchester Model 1873's. The '73 was used in the Old West. The Model 53 came out in 1924 and most of them were made by the end of the '20's. As far as the repros go, both are good quality, but the Browning 53 is outstanding in its fit and finish. Also, the Browning 53, like its original predecessor, is much rarer than the Uberti '73. Bottom line, however, is that you should get the one you like the most. The 32-20 is my favorite small game cartridge.
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TNBigBore
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Re: Browning 53 or Uberti 1873 32-20

Post by TNBigBore »

Browning no longer made vs Uberti still being made. I would chose the Browning. I actually used to own one of the Browning 53 rifles. It was so slick and the wood was gorgeous. Problem was that it was too good looking and almost never left the safe.
Leverluver
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Re: Browning 53 or Uberti 1873 32-20

Post by Leverluver »

If weight is of concern, go with the 53. The 73 (even with 20" barrel) is pretty hefty. That's a lot of octagon and not much hole. It probably weighs every bit as much as my 24" 45 Colt, if not more.
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Re: Browning 53 or Uberti 1873 32-20

Post by Shasta »

I have both rifles. They are both very smooth and a pleasure to shoot.

If your main purpose is target or silhouette shooting the Uberti 1873 is best. Mine is a Cimarron with 24" barrel and checkered pistol-grip stock, bought for the silhouette game. All it needed was a trigger job, a Marble's tang sight, and a Lyman 17A front sight. It got me into AAA class last summer and I recently shot my first Master score :D .

If you plan to hunt, woods walk, or carry it much, the Browning 53 is very light and easy to handle, making it a better choice. My one complaint is it tends to heat up after 15 or 20 consecutive shots. Extended range sessions require frequent breaks to allow the barrel to cool, but this is not a problem in hunting situations.

Bottom line, if I had to choose one over the other I would choose the Uberti 1873 because it is currently manufactured and at least in my own experience is more accurate than the Browning 53.
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Kansas Ed
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Re: Browning 53 or Uberti 1873 32-20

Post by Kansas Ed »

You are really talking about two distinctly different cartridges. The Browning can be loaded full speed ahead to make it a viable deer rifle, while the 73 is going to be limited to lower pressures. Were it me, I would always choose the Browning for that very reason. The 73 in that caliber will be limited IMO as to what game you want to harvest with it. The 73 will shorten your effective ranges, and limit you to varmints (coyotes, foxes, groundhogs etc.) at 100 yards or less. The 53 though will stretch your yardages to another 50-75 for varmints and 75-100 yds for deer with the right bullets. If you're shooting iron or paper, get the 73 for the fun factor, but if you want to make your rifle a pot/survival rifle, get the 53.

Now before someone cries foul, IMO a 32-20 bullet which shoots through deer at 75-100 yards is just as effective as a 32 special which shoots through deer at 75-100 yards. I've used them for deer quite effectively in a '92.

Lord knows I've never had an opinion on the 32-20 :lol:

Ed
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