Make: Winchester

Model: 1873 Rifle, 3rd Model

Serial Number: 300385

Year of Manufacture: 1889

Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (32 Winchester Center Fire)

Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 24″ nominal, 24 1/4" measured, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch was fine-adjustable for elevation, the top of the sight has been filed to a flat-top profile, limiting adjustment. The rear sight is not original to the rifle. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a steel forend cap, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is a large chip at the toe, repaired with the original piece. There are a few tiny losses around edges. There is a bruise on the right of the forend at the top edge. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a patina with scattered minor erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Good-plus condition as refinished and repaired Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 4+/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 3% of its metal finish. Exposed surfaces have gone to a fairly even moderate-dark patina. There are some scattered spots of finish in well protected areas. Some edges are worn to white and there are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are notable tool marks on the barrel behind the rear sight with more minor tool marks on the right sideplate and receiver flat. There is scattered light surface erosion. There is a small loss in the front edge of the magazine tube between the cap and its screw. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings are generally clear, some are worn, but legible. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition as Antique.

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: None.

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 with a number of WCF cartridges to follow including the .38-40. Colt produced single action revolvers chambered for the Winchester cartridges as well, allowing users to have a rifle and handgun which shared the same ammunition. The 1873 has a mythic status among both firearms enthusiasts and fans of the Old West in general, even inspiring the 1950 movie "Winchester '73" starring Jimmy Stewart.

This example is chambered for .32-20 WCF and was made in 1889. This was the heyday of the '73, just three years before the 1892 would be introduced and mostly supplant its predecessor. The rifle shows wear consistent with its age, with a repaired loss in the toe and tool marks on the barrel being the most notable damage. This rifle would be a nice addition to any collection, especially a Winchester collection missing an 1873. It deserves a spot next to its 1866, 1876, 1886, 1892 and 1894 cousins. It would also be a great candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!