Make: Winchester

Model: Custom 1873 Rifle

Serial Number: 116526A

Year of Manufacture: 1884, we do not know when the rifle was converted to its current configuration.

Caliber: Converted to .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Lever Action with Half-Length Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 22", Half-Round, Half-Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-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 select walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate with sliding door (there is no compartment under the door). The stocks have a few scattered light marks. The buttstock is well fit to the metal, the forend has slight gaps at the front and rear. The LOP measures 12 5/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some minor erosion and light nicks under the finish with a few marks and spots of oxidation through the finish. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-Fine condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished. The engraving is cut through the finish. The barrel, bolt, lifter and magazine assembly are not original to the receiver. Some other parts may be replaced.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong. The engraving is cut through the finish. There are a few spots of touch-up on the barrel. There is some minor erosion under the finish. There are some light nicks and scratches. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition as customized Antique (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: During a function check, snap-caps tend to stick in the magazine tube and inconsistently fed onto the lifter properly. The timing between the bolt and lifter is not quite perfect. The extractor will occasionally slip off of a rim. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The famous Winchester Model 1873 lever action repeating rifle, known as "the gun that won the West", had a steel frame that was much stronger than the brass framed Model 1866, allowing Winchester to move away from .44 rimfire and develop the powerful new .44-40 WCF round (Winchester’s first metallic centerfire cartridge), as well as a family of other new potent rounds, with Colt usually producing Single Action Army revolvers in the same calibers shortly after they were developed. The Model 1873 has an almost mythical status among firearms collectors, Old West enthusiasts, and fans of the Western film genre.

This example has seen some rather radical customization resulting in an attractive and unique rifle. Its 22" half-octagon barrel has been sleeved for use with .22 Long Rifle cartridges. The bolt, lifter and magazine assembly have also been replaced for use of this cartridge. The gun has been refinished with attractive after-market engraving cut through the finish. Finally, the stocks have been replaced with a beautiful set of deluxe walnut. The rifle needs a little work before it will function properly, but it sure looks pretty as-is. Please see our photos and good luck!