Uberti 66 and 73, are parts interchangeable

[Mezcal Charlie]

I have a 1866 by Uberti and someone has a short throw kit for Uberti 73. Will it work in my 66? I’ve read they are almost the same. 

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

28 minutes ago, Mezcal Charlie said:

I have a 1866 by Uberti and someone has a short throw kit for Uberti 73. Will it work in my 66? I’ve read they are almost the same. 

Many parts interchange.  A few don't.  The short stroke kit will work unless it is one that uses a new finger lever.  Not sure if that would work.  If it is just links and a lifter arm then yes, unless the '66 is a real old one.

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

So long as the guns were both manufactured in the last 15+ years, the internal lock works are EXACTLY the same and will interchange easily.  Installing a Short Stroke kit gets a bit involved.

[Mezcal Charlie]

So 44-40 45 doesn’t matter here, just the age. Thank you. 

[Garrison Joe, SASS #60708]

Here's some of the things that mean you will find part differences when considering swapping around Uberti lever rifle parts -

 

Small versus larger cartridges - .38/357 smaller size cartridge handling parts; .38-40, .44-40, .44 spl and mag, .45 Colt are larger size  (affects lifter, bolt)

Straight grip versus pistol grip - affects lever

Old frame versus new (change over about 1980) - very early frames chambered for .38 spl only, 1.500" lifter length; since then, all are 1.600" lifter length - may affect lots of parts

Barrel length changes - affects mag tube length and position of mag hanger support dovetail (but factory mag springs usually all same length)

New bolt (replaceable tab) versus old bolt (non-replaceable) - affects bolt

66 extractor versus 73 extractor - 73 extractor has a top stud to retract dust cover

New firing pin extension design (with key) versus old design (tiny cross pin) - affects bolt and firing pin extension (and keys and lock pins as appropriate)

Loading gate designs are different between 66 and 73

Lever safety exists in only the 73 (and very early 66s)

Buttstocks are cut differently between 73 and 66, and with or without pistol grip

 

 

For your consideration of a short stroke kit, you replace toggle links and lifter arm, at a minimum.   If the kit has been installed in another gun, it will often take more work to install it in your  gun.   You don't have a guarantee that replacement toggle links will give you a safe head space - it has to be checked after installation.   Only Cowboys and Indian kits usually have the ability to get longer or shorter lengths for the toggle sets.   If the kit has not yet been installed, it probably has links made to lengths the maker has found to be standard, and if your gun is lightly used, the standard lengths will probably work.   Lots of wear or use of either gun may mean you need serious adjustments to the kit to make it safe (or perhaps it will work - hard to say).

 

Your attempt to save money by buying another guy's kit when you do not have experience installing one yet - is a royally big gamble.   As much as the kits cost, most folks would be concerned that a lot of work could be involved, and that getting a new kit guaranteed to fit would be less risky, and that having an experienced smith install it would be time, money and aggravation saved.   But, you may just be a smith genius-to-be and will have no problems.  It's really very hard to tell without trying to install a particular kit in your gun.   No short stroke kit is drop-in!   Even the best fitting parts still need gun smoothing, tuning, spring adjustment, etc., to work well.

 

good luck, GJ