Make: Winchester

Model: 1873, 3rd Model Rifle

Serial Number: 301220

Year of Manufacture: 1889

Caliber: .38-40 Winchester (.38 Winchester Center Fire)

Action Type: Lever Action with Half-Length Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 24", Half-Round, Half-Octagon

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a steel blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the rear face of the blade is slotted, but no insert is present. The rear sight is a "V"-notch semi-buckhorn 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 included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece fanchy checkered walnut with nosecap, pistol grip with inlaid ebony triangle, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few dings. There is a scrape on the right of the stock behind the checkering. There is a tiny loss at the toe. The LOP measures 10 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate (special ordered with stock 2" shorter than standard). The plate has mostly muted with some minor oxidation. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some scattered light erosion and infrequent pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6-7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is some scattered light wear on the barrel with most worn areas going to a light patina. The receiver has generally strong case color with a little muting, wear and minor oxidation. There are some light nicks, scuffs and small scratches. The action shows operational wear. The hammer and lever have some strong case color with some areas muted. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position, lever safety, lever lock on the lower tang, and a dust cover on the receiver that slides on an integral rail typical of the Third Models. 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 1978 Buffalo Bill Historical Center Winchester Factory Records letter. The letter indicates that this rifle was produced in 38 caliber with a checkered stock, pistol grip, stock 2 inches short of regular, 1/2 octagon barrel, 1/2 magazine and case hardened receiver, received in warehouse and shipped June 11, 1889.

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 .38-40 Winchester was based on the earlier .44-40 but necked down for use with lighter projectiles.

This Model 1873 was made in 1889 and is in a fascinating special-order configuration. Most of the special order features, the half-octagon barrel, half-length magazine, fancy checkered walnut, and pistol grip, are somewhat common individually. Having all of these features on one rifle makes for a rare find, indeed. Most interesting, the original purchaser specified that the stock be 2" shorter than standard, resulting in a quite short length of pull suitable for those of smaller stature. The included factory records letter not only confirms each of these features, but was also originally issued to notable antique arms collector Dick Hammer, likely indicating the gun spent some time in his possession. Please see our photos and good luck!