Make: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 313176
Year of Manufacture: 1889
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action with Full-Length Tubular Magazine and Set-Trigger
Barrel Length: 32", Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a steel blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn "V"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel, the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight, none present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered deluxe walnut with capped forend, triangular ebony inlay in the bottom of the pistol grip, straight comb and checkered hard rubber shotgun-style Winchester buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. There are cracks in the wrist, extending down from the rear of the top tang on each side. There are a few tiny losses around the edges of the tangs. The checkering is worn, most notable on the bottom of the forend, but generally visible. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear with well defined checkering and lettering, the borders are notably thin having been re-fit to the wood after refinishing. Overall, the stocks are in Good-Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Casehardened
Finish Originality: Casehardening is Original, the barrel and magazine tube have been refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The barrel and magazine have strong finish. The receiver has mostly gone to a moderate-dark patina with some case color on interior surfaces. The bottom of the lifter has a crystalline appearance typical of aged brass. There is some scattered light surface oxidation, primarily on the receiver. There are a few light nicks and scuffs. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the caliber markings are shallow. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as partially refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The hammer does not catch at the safety notch. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Cody Firearms Records Office search indicating that this serial number was produced as a Rifle, .44 Caliber, 32" octagon barrel, set-trigger, checkered stocks with pistol grip, shotgun butt with rubber butt plate and casehardened, received in warehouse and shipped October 19, 1889 on order 3716.
Our Assessment: One of the most successful, and certainly one of the most famous Winchester rifles was the Winchester Model 1873, known as "The Gun that Won the West" for its predominant role in the hands of Western settlers. The Model 1873 had a steel frame that was much stronger than the brass framed Model 1866, allowing Winchester to develop a family of powerful new cartridges, with Colt usually producing Single Action Army revolvers in the same calibers shortly after they were developed. The .44-40 Win. cartridge was one of the most popular cartridges of the era, able to take game as large as deer.
This example is fascinating, with no fewer than five documented factory special order features. In addition to its casehardened receiver, the rifle left Winchester with checkered pistol grip stocks, shotgun butt with rubber buttplate, set-trigger, and a rare extra-length 32" barrel. The stocks, barrel and magazine tube have been refinished and the hammer does not catch at the safety notch, but that may make it a good candidate for complete restoration. In any case, this would make a neat addition to any Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
