Uberti 32-20 1873 or 1866

[Wheelgun]

Ok guys I need some advice.
I'm thinking about getting a new Cimarron/Uberti rifle in 32-20 to go with my Cimarron SAA clone. I've finally got the change scraped up and I've got it narrowed down to 4 options. 1873 or 1866 in either Carbine with 19" round barrel or Short Rifle with 20" octagon barrel.

For barrel length I'm leaning toward the 20" octagon barrel, because I like the octagon and because I really like the crescent butt plate on the Rifle version. But I know the 19" round barrel will be lighter and the carbine butt plate should be smoother and quicker to shoulder.

So whats the good or bad of the 1866 vs 1873? Anything to look out for on the 32-20s??

This will be used for some target shooting, extensive woods trampsing & varmint control and some small game hunting. I've got a Cimarron 1873 in 45 Colt with the 24" octagon barrel, that I love, but for what I'm looking to use it for, and for saving lead and powder the 32WCF really appeals to me.

Thanks

[dikman]

I have an 1866 (Sporting Rifle, 24" barrel). From what I could find out there's not much difference between the '73 and the '66 other than the brass receiver - so given that, it comes down to which one appeals to you aesthetically. Me, I wanted the brass one 'cos most CAS shooters here seem to have the '73. I would have preferred the carbine version, but down here one has to take what one can get. Mine's a pretty hefty gun with that long octagonal barrel and brass receiver!

Can you get one in .32-20? The Uberti website only lists them as .38SP, .44-40 and .45 colt.

Seeing that you already have a '73 in long barrel, if it was me I'd be looking at something different, so ideally a '66 carbine - but that's just my opinion (which usually aint worth much).

[square butte]

I have a Cimarron/Uberti 1866 SRC in 32-20. Its handy, and is a great shooter. There is nothing I don't like about it. It was hard to come by. I had to wait a year and a half to get it from Cimarron. I only wish they made 32-20 in a "trapper" length version. The lightness of the SRC is better for me, and Yes I do like the brass receiver 1866.

[jdfoxinc]

What revolver do you have? All I see on their web site are the Jr. And the birds head lightning. If it's a Jr how much smaller is it?

I have the oppossite prob. I have a Marlin and a Winchester in 32-20.

[Dan Cash]

I would recommend the 73 over the 66 in what ever barrel length you fancy. The 73 should be lighter to pack, stronger and more durable. 9.5 grains of 2400 under a 105 grain cast bullet gives right at 1400 fps from a 5 1/2 inch revolver and really gets to it in a rifle; 1700 fps from my 20 inch Marlin. Your revolver is capable of digesting this load but I wold be shy about feeding it to the 66.

[sharps4590]

The '73 for the simple reason the '66 was never chambered in 32-20, whereas the '73 was.

[Wheelgun]

I guess I'll go see what my dealer can get and see if there is going to be a difference in the price on the '73 vs the '66. Maybe that will help me decide.

Dikman - I haven't looked at the Uberti site, but the Cimarron site lists a '66 & '73 in 32WCF in carbine, short Rifle, and sporting rifle.

Jdfoxinc - My revolver is a full size SAA clone with 5.5" barrel and the charcoal blue. I bought my Cimarron in 2009-2010, I think.

[Wheelgun]

Does the Cimarron or Uberti 32-20 have any quirks that other calibers dont? I've read that 44-40 and some 45 Colts (mine also) have over sized chambers, or tight throats and bigger bore(in the case of the 44-40s I've read about). Any issues with the 32-20s or is it just luck of the draw??

I really appreciate all the experiences and input from everyone. I'm leaning towards the 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine as of right now. But that could change easily enough. Lol