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Third Model 1873 Breech Bolt Repair
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January 30, 2019 - 6:40 pm
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Good morning,

I have a third model 1873 SRC chambered in .38-40.  The tab on the bottom of the breech bolt is broken.   I suspect this may be a prevalent problem on the 1873.  Does anybody know of a gunsmith that has developed a repair for this problem?  Also, any ideas on used part sources for model 1873?

Thanks,

Jim

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January 30, 2019 - 7:22 pm
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The repair for it is building up the tab with weld and then reshape. The best place to buy used parts for 73’s is Ebay.

Bob

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January 30, 2019 - 11:04 pm
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Thanks Bob,

Do you happen to know anybody that could do this?  I have it apart but I am not equipped for the bolt repair.  Is this a common problem with the 1873?

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January 31, 2019 - 12:00 am
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Jim,

Its probably the most common failure of a 73 bolt and I do see it quite often. I don’t have anybody off the top of my head that will repair it since I do most of my own work when needed and haven’t had to do any kind of that work for many years given the level of guns I collect. Any local gunsmith that has a TIG welder can do it if they have another bolt to copy the dimensions. I don’t know what they would charge to do the repair but a replacement bolt goes for about $150. I’m sure a few of the other members on here will have people they have used for repair work. The only thing with gunsmiths is some want the whole gun so they can make sure everything fits and feeds properly and wouldn’t repair a individual part. If thats the case a replacement bolt would be cheaper since shipping both ways will eat you up.

Bob

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January 31, 2019 - 3:07 am
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Good point on the shipping & fitting requirements.  I will keep an eye out for a replacement.  Can you tell me which other generation(s) of 1873 would be compatible with this third model? 

Jim

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January 31, 2019 - 3:45 am
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Jim,

you can use a bolt from a third model in 38 or 44 caliber.

Here is one:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/WINCHESTER-MODEL-1873-ORIGINAL-BOLT-44-WCF-38-WCF-44-40-38-40/223339286266?hash=item34000f0efa:g:480AAOSwiJZcR3bh:rk:1:pf:0

Just make sure the seller has a return policy if there is a problem with it and don’t be afraid to ask for more pictures.

Bob

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Researching the Winchester 1873's

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January 31, 2019 - 4:23 am
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Thanks Bob.  

I understand the caliber designation of the breech bolts, however I am uncertain as to compatibility of the breech bolts across the first, second and third generation changes of the 1873.  Are the bolts interchangeable throughout all three generational changes?

Jim

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January 31, 2019 - 4:47 am
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Jim,

A first or second  model bolt would work but you would need the firing pin for the earlier model. A first model bolt and pin would be a lot more money since they are more scarce. The difference is there is a bushing with the hole for the firing pin that was screwed in the face of the bolt. This also requires a firing pin with a longer pin (the small diameter of the firing pin) to fit through the bushing.

Bob

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Researching the Winchester 1873's

73_86cutaway.jpg

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January 31, 2019 - 1:19 pm
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Thanks for all the information Bob.  Very much appreciated. 

Jim

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