The Winchester 1873 is perhaps the most popular lever action rifle of the era. Over 720,000 were manufactured over a period of 50 years in a range of calibers and barrel lengths. The standard 24" barrel made the 1873 a very popular saddle gun for cowboys. This weapon was immortalized by James Stewart in the film "Winchester '73". Big Horse Johnson fires a .44 caliber Winchester 1873 at the mini-Graboids in the camp scene.