you must have a lot more money to throw around than i do. although i have not shopped around much for one, i don't think i've ever seen an original 1873 anywhere close to shootable condition for less than $2,500. to buy an original 1873 and send it to turnbull for restoration and new wood i would think you could spend $5,000 real easy. should make one hell of a truck gun for you though, good luck. i would have a hard time spending the $7-800 it would take to get a uberti to use for this purpose. i would stick with a win94 or marlin 336, or 94 if you like the short actions.