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October 31, 2025
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I have an 1873 44-40 manufactured in 1886. I have a Cody letter that is fairly plain. I purchased the firearm from a gentlemen that routinely fired this gun. Specifics; Wood is not original, the but stock is not drilled for a cleaning rod. The barrel was relined. The rear sight is not original, it appears to be a Marlin sight rather than a Winchester. The dust cover appears to be period correct, but newer with strong bluing.
Notes from a local Gunsmith: Both side receiver lower tang screws are stripped out in the tang. All screws are in poor condition. One screw, underside of receiver, behind the carrier, head is cracked. Headspace is ~.067″. He was not comfortable attempting to remove these screws. May be a good candidate for a full restoration. Gun appears to be safe to fire.
I’m fairly certain I do not want to do a full (Turnbull like) restoration. I would however like the gun to be as original as possible, completely disassembled and the defects corrected, i.e. the stripped tang screws, period sights, etc, so this can be a shooter. I like the look, just wish the bluing was a little more present/darker.
Looking for some advisement, vendors or Smith’s that could do what I am looking for. Thanks all!
May 2, 2009
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Is this one you had for a while or just bought?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
March 31, 2009
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Contact Mark.
April 30, 2023
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Chuck said
Contact Mark.
http://www.wyomingarmory.com/
This.
June 15, 2024
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Mick Crowder of Classic Firearm Restorations reblued my carbine for me and worked on the wood. I think he did great work and was very reasonable on price.
November 7, 2015
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IMHO it will not be worth what it would cost to restore it. I think it will pass as a good example of frontier gunsmithing with hard-earned character that will disappear in a restoration. I think the cost of a restoration would be better spent on a rifle or carbine with more sought-after features. Personally I’d want to shoot it but it sounds like getting it to that point could be expensive. Maybe one of the restoration folks above can give you a more in-depth evaluation before the serious bucks get involved.
Mike
