Make: Winchester

Model: 1873 Rifle

Serial Number: 197474B

Year of Manufacture: 1886

Caliber: .32-20 Winchester Center Fire

Action Type: Lever Action with Full-Length Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 24", 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 top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a peep sight (none included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are some minor losses at edges and corners. There are a few thin cracks at edges. The wood shows signs of light sanding. The LOP measures 12 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear and erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: No finish remains.

Finish Originality: Most surfaces show signs of polishing or aggressive cleaning, but we see no sign of a new finish being applied to the metal.

Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 4 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. Most surfaces show signs of polishing or aggressive cleaning. There are areas going to a light patina. There is scattered surface erosion. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with questionably usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The hammer can be dropped from the half-cock position by pulling the trigger. Otherwise, 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. This example is a Rifle chambered for .32-20 WCF with a 24" octagonal barrel. The rifle looks like it has had a long and useful life, having had the stocks refinished and retaining decent mechanics. This will display well with its "been there, done that" appearance and would be a good candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!