Log In
Members
Home
Add Reply
Add Topic
I recently acquired a 1873 rifle, 3rd model, in .38-40 caliber that is in really good condition. In my search for an 1873 I spent a lot of time on the internet and learned a lot. I have learned that they were manufactured from 1873 to 1919 with 720,610 made in carbine, rifle and musket configurations in 3 models but the one thing I was not able to find was, if the information is available, is how many were made in the various configurations, by model and caliber. If this information is available anywhere online I’d really appreciate a link to it.
Thank you, Bob
Online
Bob,
The Model 1873 was actually manufactured through January 3rd, 1933, ending with serial number 720610 on that date. That stated, the bulk of them were all manufactured by August 24th, 1918 (last serial number on that date was 720497). As you mentioned, currently there is no published information available that details how many of each variation and caliber were made. That would require a very time intensive and detailed survey of the original factory records (located at the Cody Firearms Museum records office). From personal experience, I can tell you that it would take MANY years to complete such a survey. Back in the early 1990s, a survey of the Model 1894 was started which covered serial numbers 1 – 353999, and it took 3.5 years to complete it. If you take into account that there are slightly more than 2X that number of Model 1873 records, one could conclude it would take nearly 8-years to complete the survey.
Now with that stated, one of our WACA members (1873man) is conducting a survey of all Model 1873 Rifles, Carbines, and Muskets that are discovered at various and many different venues. If you want to participate in his survey, please provide the details for your recent acquisition.
Regards,
Bert Hartman – WACA Historian
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bob,
Your not finding that information because its never been complied. With 720,610 records it would be a very time consuming task since they are handwritten records with many abbreviations. That is the reason I started a survey of any records I could get my hands on, guns that show up at gun shows, auctions and other collectors sending me their information on 73’s. To date I have 18,429 guns entered in Excel so I can search the individual features. I can’t give the exact numbers of the particular configuration that was made but I can extrapolate what probably was made.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Bob,
79% of them are rifles, 18% are carbines and 3% are muskets.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Bert, Bob,
Thank you for answering my question. And I completely understand the enormity of trying to go thru the records and putting that information together if it hasn’t been done along the way. I will be more than happy to tell you about my rifle and even send pictures if that would help. Should I send it to Bob’s (1873man) gmail or post it here. I am also awaiting a letter from the Cody Museum which I could include also when I receive it.
Bob
Bob,
You can send it how ever you want. There is a thread in the survey section, the link is below if you want to post it. When you get the letter I would like to know what is on the letter as well. Here is a list of what I’m looking for.
Thanks Bob
- I need complete serial numbers and the letter if it is present
- What model it is (Rifle, Carbine or Musket)
- Caliber (44, 38, 32, 22 short, 22 long or 22 extra long)
- If its a 22, is it a takedown
- Barrel length
- Barrel shape
- Is it extra heavy
- If it has a set trigger
- Magazine Length (full, half, etc)
- Is it pistol grip
- Is it checkered
- Does it have deluxe wood
- What is its finish (blued, case colored, silver, nickel, gold or any combination)
- What type of butt plate
- Does it have sling swivels
- Is it engraved, inscribed or monogrammed
- Or any other factory options
- If you have a letter on it, how does it letter
- If you believe its been modified from original what was done.
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Bert, Bob,
First, Bert, its a small world. The rifle I acquired I got from you friend here in NJ, Tony F. And thanks for helping with my decision on the one Tony asked you about on my behalf.
Second, Bob, here is the information you requested and when my letter arrives I will send you a picture of it along with ones of the rifle if you’d like.
- I need complete serial numbers and the letter if it is present 233341B
- What model it is (Rifle, Carbine or Musket) Rifle
- Caliber (44, 38, 32, 22 short, 22 long or 22 extra long) .38
- If its a 22, is it a takedown
- Barrel length 23 ⅝” to the frame
- Barrel shape Octagon
- Is it extra heavy 8 lbs 3.1 oz ~ no ramrod
- If it has a set trigger no
- Magazine Length (full, half, etc) full
- Is it pistol grip no
- Is it checkered no
- Does it have deluxe wood no
- What is its finish (blued, case colored, silver, nickel, gold or any combination) blued
- What type of butt plate Trap door
- Does it have sling swivels no
- Is it engraved, inscribed or monogrammed no
- Or any other factory options no
- If you have a letter on it, how does it letter awaiting the letter
- If you believe its been modified from original what was done.
Bob,
Your barrel is 24″ which is the standard length. The barrel is measured to include the threads.
Thanks for your information, Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Bob, I was know its a 24″ bbl but measured what I could actually see. Bob
November 7, 2015
Offline
[email protected] said
Bob, I was know its a 24″ bbl but measured what I could actually see. Bob
Welcome! Most accurate way to properly measure the barrel length of a breech loading firearm is to drop a dowel rod from the muzzle of an UNLOADED gun until it reaches the face of the closed bolt. Mark the dowel. Remove the dowel and measure from the end of the dowel rod to your mark. That is your barrel length.
Mike
1 Guest(s)
