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January 15, 2026
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Hello,
Just joined, trying get some good advice. I bought this rifle many years ago from an online auction. It is not in good shape. It has been in the closet for years. I bought this for my wife, she really likes old western guns. The action works OK, a little sticky. It needs a good cleaning. Would like to possibly shoot it someday. I would like some advice on the finish. It looks like it was subjected to salty air, as all of the metal has spots of rust. I don’t want to restore it, she would prefer it keeps it’s “original look”. Chambered in 33 WCF, mfg in 1897. Any advice is much appreciated. Trying to figure out how to download pictures.
Thanks!
April 15, 2005
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Winchester did not introduce the 33 WCF cartridge until early 1903. What is the serial number on the rifle (that will tell us when it was actually manufactured)?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
January 15, 2026
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Serial number is 112432.
April 15, 2005
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Iflyrc59 said
Serial number is 112432.
That makes it a March 1897 production receiver frame. While it is remotely possible that the receiver frame sat in the assembly room for 5+ years before being used to assemble a rifle, the odds are that the barrel is a replacement part. The only way to be sure of what transpired is to contact the Cody Firearms Museum (CFM) and obtain a factory letter. The factory letter will tell you what the original configuration was for serial number 112432, and if the rifle was ever sent back to the factory for a replacement barrel (Return & Repair).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
January 15, 2026
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Ok thanks, I’ll contact them to find out what it is.
January 15, 2026
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Received the letter from Cody Firearms Museum. Serial number was applied March 17, 1897. Caliber was 38/56 with octagon barrel.
So presumably the value is nothing to worry about. I bought some ammo from a very nice member here. Will clean the gun, and fire off a few rounds.
Thanks for all your help!
Pete
April 15, 2005
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Iflyrc59 said
Received the letter from Cody Firearms Museum. Serial number was applied March 17, 1897. Caliber was 38/56 with octagon barrel.
So presumably the value is nothing to worry about. I bought some ammo from a very nice member here. Will clean the gun, and fire off a few rounds.
Thanks for all your help!
Pete
If there is no “R&R” entry on your factory letter, then Yes, the value of the rifle in the collector market is greatly diminished. As long as it reliably feeds and cycles rounds through the action. it should make a decent “shooter” rifle.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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