Hello to all and thanks for having me aboard!
I would appreciate anyone's opinion as to the relative merits of the Uberti Winchester '73 versus the Chaparral model of the same classic rifle. Been considering a purchase to fulfill a lifelong dream and don't have my local tracker around much to ask such questions.
Upon reading some of the posts I guess the choice might be pretty simple if I can come up with the green or persuade my wife to help me out at Christmas. I would appreciate any input or thoughts to guide me in my decision. I will defer to your expertise.
Best regards and many thanks to all.

The Ubertis' quality has been proven over the last forty years. The early Chaparral's while well finished on the outside had some early internal quality issues. I do not know the latest on how well those issues were resolved. The man I would ask would be at stevezguns.com.

Welcome to the forum Jumpin. Rules are simple, be nice and join in. You might check out our FAQ section to see what were about.

Sorry I can't help you on the 73's, I'm not a lever guy, but it looks like some of our more knowledgeable members are already chiming in with some help for you.

Believe the Chaparral model has the shorter barrel? Could see a slight advantage in handling but there may be a slight accuracy loss at long distances. Would be a good choice for a woods gun but if you live on open land, the classic rifle may be a better choice. BTW, have you considered the model '92? Much stronger and smoother action than the '73 at a far less expensive price.

Gentlemen: I would like to thank you for your input and it's a pleasure to be aboard. I guessed the Uberti would be the choice and thanks to this site noticed that the Chaparral '73 had a number of complaints as to the inner mechanisms.
I've got a cabin in the Catskills so I would lean towards a shorter barreled carbine type of woods rifle/brush gun.
I will continue to follow-up on recent postings and reviews concerning the Chaparral as the price is a bit nicer than the Uberti and they've made a conscious effort to work out the bugs. Like I said it's all a matter of cash these days. You know the drill! I simply have give up another one of my hobbies for a while.
Again, your input is greatly appreciated and I offer best wishes to all on the site.

Marshall Kane: I will follow your advice and look into the '92 and Blackhawk44 I will hit the Stevezguns site.
Thanks again for the advice!

Jumpin: While the '73 Uberti is a BEAUTIFUL gun, it has the original toggle link action to lock the breechblock while the '92 has double sliding bolts in the receiver to lock the breechblock which is a far stronger action. You will find the '92 chambered for more cartridge options than the '73 because the action is so strong. A '92 carbine with round barrel or short rifle with an octagon barrel, either one with a color-casehardened receiver, is also a thing of beauty. Both of my '92 rifles, in .45 Colt and .44 WCF, come with color-casehardened receivers and octagon barrels. They never fail to draw positive comments while shooting at the range. For more on the '92, log onto: www.cimarron-firearms.com (http://www.cimarron-firearms.com). Hope you find something to your liking.

Marshall Kane: You're all aces! I will print your post and share it with my tracker buddy. He's my local
gun expert and close friend up in the mountains and won't let me buy a gun without him. A very serious man who understands the finer points and who I won't likely refuse such a request. Much like yourself and the other gents who've offered advice. Feel like I've got a plan now.
Best Regards!
p.s. as more specific questions occur I will continue post right away. The "which ammo?" questions are coming!

Gentlemen: A little more research and my tracker buddy has steered my towards the Marlin 336. I understand it's a good buy for the money (considering the Uberti prices and my budget!). I would appreciate your views. I understand the Marlin is fairly robust and seems to hold the '73 visual lines.
Any criticisms, props, or concerns?
As usual I thank you for your input.

The Marlin 336 is indeed a robust gun! They are accurate, and powerful enough for deer and black bear at woods ranges. There are plenty of after market accessories, from different sights to scope mounts and synthetic stocks. One big advantage to me is the chance to buy one used at a pretty good savings. One disadvantage, the 336s fire full power rifle rounds, which cost, recoil and boom more than the pistol rounds a '73 would be chambered for. Marlin builds a pistol caliber lever rifle, the 1894, in 357 and 44 Magnum, plus 45 Colt. Unfortunately the 1894 will cost you more than the 336. I have both a 336 30-30 and a .357 Mag 1894, they are both fine guns, but the 357 is cheaper to shoot in quantity (even when I reload).
Andy

Andy: Thanks for getting back to me on this. My cabin is in the Catskills (these days we are wildly overrun with deer and subsequently coyote) so I was naturally leaning towards a woods rifle. I like the look of the gun and will make every effort to check one out this weekend. Hopefully the action is agreeable as it looks.
Last year my neighbor took a 10 point Whitetail 75 feet from my back door. Two years ago a smallish Black Bear (roughly a 2 year old I was to find out later) walked right up behind me in broad daylight I waved him off giving him as big a profile as I could and he just sat down in my shale driveway and looked at me! Truth be told I have never felt so defenseless, not for myself so much, but for my wife and 3 kids. The local gun shops have been steering me towards a 12 gauge with the appropriate loads, but I am determined to pick up a lever rifle.
I am very thankful for this site and the input from you and the other lever veterans. It has been invaluable. I will report back with my findings on the Marlin.

Best regards and thanks again for taking the time.

Forgot to say "Welcome!!"
Andy

Gentlemen, I hope this posting finds everyone well. In my continuing search for a lever gun I had the pleasure of seeing two Henry's up close, The Big Boy 44 and the 30/30 and was taken by both of them. Both of them were woods rifles with octagonal barrels; (what I am looking for) and had a great feel to them. I did not have the pleasure of firing either rifle, but was impressed with the workmanship, (very) solid action, balance, and sight lines. The 44 felt hefty more so than a Marlin, but oddly comfortable. My tracker buddy and I are going back to investigate. I would appreciate any input on the overall quality of the Henry's and as usual, more to follow. Best Regards and thanks!

I also look for more more time with a Marlin 1894 model, the other offering that jumped out at me. I'll seek the experience of my buddy when I return to look at the Henry's again. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the Henry's were tapped for easy scope installation?
Thanks!