When it comes to lever-action rifles, there’s just something timeless about the 1873. After all, it is heralded as ‘The Gun that Won the West’. Whether you're ringing steel at the range, hunting, or just admiring its classic lines, the right sight can make all the difference. But that begs the question - what’s the best choice for your ‘73?

Why Upgrade the Sights on an 1873?

The Winchester 1873 is already a legendary rifle, but let’s be honest—the standard factory sights aren’t always the easiest to see. Depending on your eyesight and shooting style, upgrading your sighting system can improve accuracy, speed, and overall enjoyment. Traditional style sights should complement the rifles historical authenticity while offering practical benefits.

Traditional Sight Options for the 1873

If you want to keep things classic, here are some solid options:

Lyman Style Tang Sight – If you want improved mid-range accuracy, a Lyman style tang sight is a fantastic choice. Mounted to the tang, these sights give you a longer sight radius and offer fine-tuned adjustments for elevation and windage. This sight is good out to around 200 yards for solid medium range performance.

Creedmoor Tang Sights – Designed for longer range precision, these adjustable tang-mounted sights allow for fine windage and elevation control, making them perfect for distance shooting and historical long-range competitions. They utilize an elevation staff and come in different heights depending on the desired range needed. They can provide a range of around 250-600 yards depending on the sight.

Globe Front Sights – Pairing a globe front sight with a tang or peep sight can give you serious accuracy improvements. By using the peep or aperture on the eyepiece on a tang sight in alignment with the globe front sight, it makes for a very precise and repeatable sight picture. Interchangeable globe sight inserts allow shooters to customize their sight picture by swapping designs like posts, crosshairs, apertures, pinheads, or notches. This versatility improves accuracy for different lighting, target sizes, and shooting disciplines.

Keep It Classic

The key to picking the right sight is finding one that enhances your shooting without taking away from the rifle’s historical appeal. No red dots or tactical rails here—just good, old-fashioned craftsmanship that matches the history of these legendary rifles.

If you’re looking for a sight upgrade for your lever gun, consider what fits your shooting needs best - there’s a perfect sight out there for your ‘73.