Model: 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine, 3rd Model

Serial Number: 271748B

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1888

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (44 Winchester Center Fire)

Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 20″, Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder-style sight presenting a "V"-notch when folded down and with a "V"-notched slider on the ladder graduated from 2-9 in hundreds of yards.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel carbine-style buttplate with a sliding door over a storage compartment (three-piece cleaning rod in the compartment). The stocks have some light nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. There is a streak of discoloration on the right of the stock, likely from cleaning solvent or oil. There is a small chip at the toe. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some wear and light oxidation, most at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some 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 30% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is evenly scattered, mixed with most surfaces going to a light patina. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation and wear. The left of the receiver has wear from the saddle ring. There are infrequent light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with useable slots. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-plus 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: This rifle comes with a three-piece cleaning rod stored in the buttstock.

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 gun needs no introduction and chances are you’ve seen one. More than 720,00 were produced from 1873 through 1923 and the gun is produced and used to this day.

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. These included the .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40 cartridges.

This Model 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine was made in 1888 and has a 20” round barrel chambered for .44-40. It appears to have had a fairly gentle life, retaining original finish, strong mechanics, and a better bore than most rifles pushing 150 years old. Even better, it comes with the uncommon three-piece cleaning rod still stored in the buttstock. This will take a prized place in any Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck!