Hi
New here and new to the world of Winchesters. Recently picked up a new 1873 SR with color case hardening and noticed a scratch in the fore-end cap. I didn’t notice it till I got home and am pretty sure it happened during production as the box was still sealed from the factory.
Curious how much this would bother some of you? I did contact Winchester and was told a two month turn around time if they see fit to do something about it.
To start this out, you do not have a “Winchester” Model 1873. It is a modern reproduction of a Winchester Model 1873. The last authentic Winchester Model 1873 was manufactured in the early 1920s.
In regards to the damage, I would send it back to them for replacement or a full refund.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
It will only matter if you plan on keeping it for 125 years.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 7, 2015

If you bought it to look at I’d settle for little short of perfect. No excuse for a lapse like this on a beautiful rifle like yours. If you bought it to shoot swab the bore, grab all the ammo you can find and head for the range. Whether or not it will affect any collectors’ value is anyone’s guess. Most of us won’t be around long enough to notice.
Mike
I can certainly understand the annoyance and, can understand where those who advise to return it for a full refund, are coming from. Were it mine, and I had purchased it to shoot and use, I would keep it. It would make that first scratch I put on it, all the easier to accept. The advice you received, that I agree the most with, would be to get a refund and use the money to purchase an original Winchester.
November 7, 2015

Kevin Jones said
I was just noticing on the Winchester site how much they are getting for these rifles and yhea, you shouldn’t have to settle for a scratch like that.I agree with Burt, get a replacement or a refund.
I’ve seen a few of these reproductions, fit and finish is quite good on the Miroku guns. I shoot a few Citori’s at clay birds (and occasionally hit one!) so I have a healthy respect for Miroku quality. BUT…they’re not Winchesters. I know they can do better and suspect they will make it good. At that price point they certainly should.
Mike
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