Make: Winchester

Model: 1873 Musket

Serial Number: 571082

Year of Manufacture: 1903

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44 WCF)

Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 30", Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tapered blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder-type with “V” notch when folded down and a “V”-notched slider on a ladder marked from “2” to “8” when folded up. There is a small “V” notch in the top of the ladder. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with nosecap, two barrel bands, straight grip, straight comb, carbine-style steel buttplate with sliding door, a sling swivel in the belly and another mounted to the forward barrel band. The stock has a storage compartment behind the sliding door in the buttplate(nothing in the compartment). The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is one more notable scratch on the left of the buttstock below the comb and a cluster of small bruises on the right below the comb. There is some light wear around the barrel bands, likely from removal. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear at the heel and toe with some scattered minor oxidation, the case color shows muting but the figuring is generally visible. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good-Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion and a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. The receiver has a few spots of surface erosion, most on the bottom around the lifter and one on the right below the hammer. There is some light oxidation, mostly on the barrel bands which show some wear. There are some small nicks and scratches, mostly on the receiver around the sideplates. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-Fine condition.

Mechanics: 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 rifle had its serial number applied August 14, 1903, was received in Winchester’s warehouse September 12, 1903 and shipped as a Musket September 18, 1903 on Order Number 13880.

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, also known as the .44 WCF, was introduced by Winchester in 1873 as Winchester’s first metallic centerfire cartridge. Colt produced a single action revolver chambered for this cartridge in 1877. Through law enforcement use and hunting, and made popular through its dual use in rifle and pistol, the .44-40 soon became the most popular cartridge in the United States. It led to the M1873 Winchester being called “The Gun That Won The West”.

This Model 1873 Musket was made in 1903, has a 30” round barrel chambered for .44-40 and a carbine-style buttplate with sliding-door compartment. The rifle is in gorgeous condition retaining the vast majority of its original finish, a great bore, and strong mechanics. This rifle is 120 years of age, but you wouldn't know it by looking at it! The 1873 muskets are not particularly common, consisting of about 5% of total 1873 production, and one in this condition will take a prized spot in any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!