Winchester '73 vs Uberti

[Waimea]

Winchester made by Miroku vs Uberti.

 

I have heard and read that the new Winchesters are smooth right out of the box. Great but are they short stroked too?

 

I have been poking around some gunsmiths' sites and found a lot fewer mods were available for the Winnies. Not sure if that means they don't need anything or other reasons.

 

Those who have some experience with both, I would really like to hear your comparison.

 

Thinking of going back to a straight stock vs deluxe grip too.

 

 

[Boggus Deal #64218]

The Winchester is not short stroked. On average it may be slightly smoother out of the box. But remember, there are NO factory parts available. Read that again. There are VERY few aftermarket parts available. Read that again. Factory Uberti parts are available from at least three sources and there are tons of aftermarket parts. 
Cowboy Carty does amazing work with the Winchesters, as do probably a couple more. There are several gunsmiths that do amazing work on Ubertis. 

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Yes they are smoother than an Uberti out of the box, because they are sprung lighter.  Yes they are short stroked compared to a stock Uberti, but not as much as SS kits.  Pioneer Gun Works used to sell an SS kit for the Miroku but no longer.  I think if you want to shorten it, it will be a cut/weld. There are little to no aftermarket parts (Shotgun Boogie has a few) and little to no factory replacement parts available, so parts is the biggest problem.  I will now leave it to those who actually shoot a Miroku.  

 

I see Boggus Deal beat me to it with essentially the same info.

 

p.s. I have noted that most shooters with Mirokus don't get as much brass back as it often goes forward.

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

I have both.

The overview:

The Miroku is "not" specifically short stroked nor is it tuned when built.

The Miroku stroke is significantly shorter than an original Winchester.

The fit and finish of the internals are better than a stock Uberti leading to the smoother feel.

 

Details:

The stroke on the Miroku is comparable to a 3rd generation short stroke kit or a "Cut and Weld" build.

If you have basic knowledge of gun smoothing, spring reprofiling and expend some time; you can make the Miroku feel pretty nice (remembering these parts do NOT interchange with Uberti and if you screw them up....)

 

When Desert Scorpion (my daughter) "stole" my 73 "Codymatic", I purchased a Miroku - did all the work and ran it for about a year.

Never had a single failure that could be attributed to the gun. 

Is it as nice as my original "Codymatic"? 

No, but It was fine and the difference could easily come down to Cody doing a better job smoothing the Uberti versus the work I did on the Miroku.

When opportunity arose, I bought another 73 "Codymatic" and the Miroku became a back up.

Painted Lady's Marlin went down and she is now shooting the Miroku as her primary.

 

Conclusion:

I have zero issue leaving back up 73's (I have a couple more)  behind when we travel as the Uberti and Miroku are close enough in stroke and feel to substitute for each other if the need arose.

Would I buy another Miroku? 

Yes, because I shoot 3rd generation stroked rifles and the throw is comparable.

Yes, IF the price was very right; guns in our game are run hard; even if I don't mess it up tuning it - eventually something will break and I will have a harder time repairing or replacing parts.

Or lastly (not that I would), but if someone was going to run the guns stock out of the box - the Miroku would have an edge over the Uberti.

 

But assuming you want a tuned rifle; you have so many more options (generations of short stroke kits, tuning parts, gunsmiths) that work on the Uberti.

 

[Tex Jones, SASS 2263]

I have both types.  The Uberti is short stroked and tuned while the Miroku is stock.  The Miroku is smoother than the Uberti was out of the box and the only part that I will eventually change is the lever safety, which is heavier and requires a firm grasp of the lever to release it.  I don't try to shoot the Miroku as quickly as I do the Uberti as it's an exhibition grade model and I don't want ding it up too much.  As Creeker stated above the lever stroke on the Miroku is comparable to a third generation stroke.  Workmanship on both is fine, although the Miroku may have a slight edge

[Waimea]

Good info guys.

Much appreciated.

[Waimea]

2 hours ago, Boggus Deal #64218 said:

... there are NO factory parts available. Read that again. There are VERY few aftermarket parts available. Read that again. Factory Uberti parts are available from at least three sources and there are tons of aftermarket parts. 
 

 

I read it and I am letting it sink into my hard head.

 

I saw there are few aftermarket parts and interpreted that as 

1. They are such good guns, no parts are needed.

2. Nobody wants to change them they are so great.

3. I don't know, something else.

 

I might be too influenced by others singing loudly about their great rifles.

 

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

I have a Winchester made in Connecticut.

It seems to be superior to ones made in Italy or Japan.

*Ducks and hides*

[Waimea]

8 minutes ago, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

I have a Winchester made in Connecticut.

It seems to be superior to ones made in Italy or Japan.

*Ducks and hides*

 

It's been around the block a few times.

I'm guessing there's no short stroke kit in it.😂

[Boggus Deal #64218]

48 minutes ago, Waimea said:

 

I read it and I am letting it sink into my hard head.

 

I saw there are few aftermarket parts and interpreted that as 

1. They are such good guns, no parts are needed.

2. Nobody wants to change them they are so great.

3. I don't know, something else.

 

I might be too influenced by others singing loudly about their great rifles.

 

Then I think you need a Winchester. By all means! 

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

32 minutes ago, Waimea said:

 

It's been around the block a few times.

I'm guessing there's no short stroke kit in it.😂

You guess correct.

 

[Waimea]

6 minutes ago, Boggus Deal #64218 said:

Then I think you need a Winchester. By all means! 

Reverse psychology in play here.😂

[Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001]

every thing BREAKS when run hard 

 

Ya gotta have parts when it does 

 

    

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

WIAMEA

 

NOT . . . . EXACTLY

The Winchester/Miroku are really nice guns.  The reason there aren't more after-market part is because the speed parts that were "attempted" didn't work all that well.  Additionally, the Miroku doesn't have enough market share to justify the investment in "speed" parts.

 

The Winchester/Miroku do break.  Getting replacement parts is extremely difficult and expensive.  Same same should an owner decide to "kitchen table" an action job and screw up parts.  It may a really LOOOOOOONG time before a replacement part is available.  Currently the only after-market parts for the Miroku come from Shotgun Boogie.

 

You pays yer money and takes yer chances.

 

[Boggus Deal #64218]

5 minutes ago, Waimea said:

Reverse psychology in play here.😂

Sure! Let’s go with that.

[Boggus Deal #64218]

5 minutes ago, Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001 said:

every thing BREAKS when run hard 

 

Ya gotta have parts when it does 

 

    

You don’t have to run them hard for them to break…

[Jack Spade]

I just switched from a boogie short stroked Uberti to a Cowboy Carty Miroku winchester.  The Carty rifle is very smooth and very very fast.  The one I have is a short rifle and has his full action job.  I also bought two brand new carbines and they are in his shop right now.  I am selling most of my Uberti's.  If you want to talk to someone who has a lot of experience with the Miroku's reach out to Fireball or Deuce.  They both have been shooting them for a while.  

[1st Sgt BearClaw Toklat]

I have three of the Winchester Competition Carbines that are short stroked from the factory and one of the early Davidson short rifles, that were short stroked.  I put my Miroku alongside a gen 4 Uberti short stroke and they were identical in lever throw.  To me, they are a higher quality gun and with Shotgun Boogies tuning kit are ready to go.  I have two that have Carty action jobs, one that is stock, except the trigger safety, and one with Boogie's tuning kit.  "Knock on wood" I have been shooting them for about 4 years with no issues.  Why 4?  I have one in 45 Colt for Classic Cowboy (Carty tuned), 1 for black powder and a club loaner (Boogie's tuning kit), 1 as my main match rifle, and one of the Davidson's short stroked, short rifles that came out about 4 years ago, as a back-up.

To me, the walnut stock just looks right.  I can't stand the reddish tint on the Italian guns.  

Oh, if you've seen Carty's face book page, I'm on his list to get a copy of the latest one he did and posted a video of, for someone else.

 

* If you're going to EoT in 2026, you can try mine our before making any decisions.

Edited November 18, 2025 by 1st Sgt BearClaw Toklat

[watab kid]

i rather like the straight stocks on my rifles - id like to try it on my shotgun one day as well 

[Rooster Ron Wayne]

Just remember if anyone also is a NCOWS Member. 

NCOWS will Not allow the Winchester because of the factory short stroke throw .

Just Sayin 

Rooster 

[Kid Rich]

If you would like to try a Winchester we have a 44-40 and a 357. I will bring them to DB this weekend so you can have a look at them.

kR

[1st Sgt BearClaw Toklat]

For reference, the top Winchester is their standard model and the bottom one is the Competition carbine.  The competition carbine has a shorter stroke. 

[Cemetery]

I have Miroku, I got it 2nd hand a few years back.  Already had an action job, can't recall who I was told that did it, it always felt 'clunky' to me.  Last year I had some extra foldin' money, and purchased Shotgun Boogie's spring kit and firing pin kit.  Runs real smooth.  I can't get a shave that smooth either unfortunately.

[watab kid]

whats wrong with the short stroke ? ive been reading of them here for years now 

[Fireball #7709 Life]

On 11/17/2025 at 3:28 PM, Waimea said:

Winchester made by Miroku vs Uberti.

 

I have heard and read that the new Winchesters are smooth right out of the box. Great but are they short stroked too?

 

I have been poking around some gunsmiths' sites and found a lot fewer mods were available for the Winnies. Not sure if that means they don't need anything or other reasons.

 

Those who have some experience with both, I would really like to hear your comparison.

 

Thinking of going back to a straight stock vs deluxe grip too.

 

 

They tend to run good "out of the box", but like virtually all mass produced firearms, can benefit from action work for competition use.(but then you know that)  Are you going to get a super smooth, slick rifle from the factory?  No.  Plenty of folks have trouble getting that from their Uberti, after sending it to a gunsmith.(and you know that too.LOL)  They are miles ahead of the Italians in machine work and quality of steel and wood though.  They can have a few quirks, but fixes for those are known.

There are at least 2 variations of stroke that are/have been available, one is a typical longer length, the other, close enough to the SASS rule minimum I don't notice.(seems stupid they offer both, but they missed the class on efficient manufacturing and poke a yoke principles apparently) 

Most aftermarket parts have come and gone and/or may be coming(low production runs), but due to the low demand, what is available, when it's available, is pricier.  Factory replacement parts are a problem, but I have yet to break anything on the 4 I own and many parts like screws are mostly interchangeable with Uberti.  Any parts problems I've seen, tend to stem from DIY'ers, DIYing something they should not have....

 

For your stock style dilemma, I offer a third option.  Mirokus are available with a "shotgun style" butt stock on some models.  It does not have a pistol grip, but has a higher comb, allowing a proper cheek weld.  It is the same style you've seen me shoot on my Uberti's that I converted to, many years ago.  Pictured is the one on my current main match Miroku gun(with factory short stroke links).  Look at that wood!!  *hand wringer note: this style stock was available from Winchester originally and is legal for SASS. 

[Waimea]

8 hours ago, Fireball #7709 Life said:

They tend to run good "out of the box", but like virtually all mass produced firearms, can benefit from action work for competition use.(but then you know that)  Are you going to get a super smooth, slick rifle from the factory?  No.  Plenty of folks have trouble getting that from their Uberti, after sending it to a gunsmith.(and you know that too.LOL)  They are miles ahead of the Italians in machine work and quality of steel and wood though.  They can have a few quirks, but fixes for those are known.

There are at least 2 variations of stroke that are/have been available, one is a typical longer length, the other, close enough to the SASS rule minimum I don't notice.(seems stupid they offer both, but they missed the class on efficient manufacturing and poke a yoke principles apparently) 

Most aftermarket parts have come and gone and/or may be coming(low production runs), but due to the low demand, what is available, when it's available, is pricier.  Factory replacement parts are a problem, but I have yet to break anything on the 4 I own and many parts like screws are mostly interchangeable with Uberti.  Any parts problems I've seen, tend to stem from DIY'ers, DIYing something they should not have....

 

For your stock style dilemma, I offer a third option.  Mirokus are available with a "shotgun style" butt stock on some models.  It does not have a pistol grip, but has a higher comb, allowing a proper cheek weld.  It is the same style you've seen me shoot on my Uberti's that I converted to, many years ago.  Pictured is the one on my current main match Miroku gun(with factory short stroke links).  Look at that wood!!  *hand wringer note: this style stock was available from Winchester originally and is legal for SASS. 

Thanks for your post.

I'm looking at that wood. IT'S GORGEOUS!

And the shotgun style stock. Yep, love it.

I am a DIY guy but so far I haven't messed anything up too badly...yet. I do not own a Dremel.

I appreciate your words of wisdom.

In the meantime those shiney open tops have caught my attention. 😜

[Three Gun Cole]

Short answer. After running Uberti’s for 15 years. 
 

Buy the winchester.  Send it to Cowboy Carty.  Run the heck out of it.

Been running the snot out of the first Carty rifle that he did for me.
7 Years no breakdowns

(Deluxe Winchester Sporting Rifle)

I’ve never needed the backup that I had him build.  
the Winchesters are pretty too!!!

 

Edited November 22, 2025 by Three Gun Cole

[Waimea]

Thanks, Cole.

You Michigan guys are really swaying me.🤠

[Fireball #7709 Life]

14 hours ago, Waimea said:

Thanks for your post.

I'm looking at that wood. IT'S GORGEOUS!

And the shotgun style stock. Yep, love it.

I am a DIY guy but so far I haven't messed anything up too badly...yet. I do not own a Dremel.

I appreciate your words of wisdom.

In the meantime those shiney open tops have caught my attention. 😜

you mean these?!😁 

[Waimea]

4 hours ago, Fireball #7709 Life said:

you mean these?!😁 

 

Ya big tease.😂

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

13 hours ago, Fireball #7709 Life said:

you mean these?!😁 

Short Colts?

[Fireball #7709 Life]

9 hours ago, Abilene, SASS # 27489 said:

Short Colts?

38 special chambered guns, I was shooting up some old 38 short colt ammo that day.

 

Edited November 23, 2025 by Fireball #7709 Life

[Sgt. Hochbauer, SASS #64409]

I have both the Uberti and Miroku in .38spcl.Yes the Miroku was pretty smooth out of the box and the Uberti is a Codymatic. I had Cody work his magic on the Miroku and its much nicer to run, its seems to be getting smoother the more I shoot it. But the Uberti is slicker. That said I would not mind having a Miroku 73 in 44 wcf. As I am a darksider. The other 2 are shot with smokeless ammo while my main match 66 in 44 wcf is shot with real BP.

 

 

Hochbauer

[Three Gun Cole]

If you want one of the best rifles in the game.

send a new winchester to Carty.

 

As a pretty good shooter with some of the best uberti’s done by Colt McAllister.  I was surprised that I was 4-6 tenth’s of a second quicker on my first three runs with my new Carty rifle vs

My main rifle that I was highly practiced with.    Last time I timed it. I’m about 1 second quicker with the Carty rifle.   
 

Write the check,  its worth every penny.

 

3GC 

[Ol Salty Sailor]

https://www.winchesterguns.com/products/rifles/model-1873/model-1873-competition-carbine-high-grade.html

 

Winchester does offer a factory competition model that offers a "shorter smoother lever stroke",