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December 31, 2014
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Hey guys, new to the forum. Got a question about a Winchester 1873 that concerns me. Is it possible for a 1st model Winchester 1873 to have the caliber stamps (.44) done after documented factory repair in early 1900’s? Not sure to accept this rifle as all original with these additions.
Thanks
SLowe
May 2, 2009
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Its simple, if its a first model with a caliber stamp, don’t buy it unless its real cheap and you want a shooter. Does it have proof marks on the barrel and receiver? If it does then it is probable it was R&R but its possible it could of been R&R before 1900 and not proofed. It all depends what your looking for in the rifle, as a collectable or as a shooter. Just remember any gun that is not original in not worth as much as a original. What does the caliber say exactly?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
December 31, 2014
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Thanks for reply.
Has 44 W.C.F. on barrel & brass elevator has 44 Cal.
Everything I’ve read has said pretty much the same thing, all original is best for collecting. That’s the catch, to know what you looking at & recognizing the real deal!
May 2, 2009
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A check of the serial number could possibly tell what happened but still its a marked first model. What type of barrel address is on it? Does it have 5 land or 6 land rifling?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
October 6, 2009
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December 31, 2014
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As a “newbie” how can you prove a change like that to be possible or not?
Too much money for me to gamble away or to buy as a shooter.
Looking at this rifle, any pointer’s would be appreciated for next time.
May 2, 2009
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The seller is greatly over estimating the condition of the gun from what I can see from the pictures and the gun has some problems. The set trigger adjustment is missing or broken off, my guess is broken off. The mortise rail for the dust cover is cracked on the receiver. The dust cover is not a raised thumb print like he claims, it looks like a repo. The brass elevator is hanging out the bottom of the receiver which points to a well worn gun or it was replaced and not fit correctly.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
May 2, 2009
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SLowe said
As a “newbie” how can you prove a change like that to be possible or not?
Too much money for me to gamble away or to buy as a shooter.
Looking at this rifle, any pointer’s would be appreciated for next time.
I assume you are asking if it was caliber marked by the factory?
For one the letter has a R&R. Second the caliber marks look right. Third according to his text in the auction it does have the correct early rifling. My guess it went in for a repair or a refinish and Winchester put the caliber stamps on it to bring it up to date. It would be nice to look at the side of the tang for any rework numbers.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
December 31, 2014
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Saw some of what you pointed out but not everything. Was thinking I could overlook some it for such a low number 1873 but in the end could not pull the trigger on a bid. Someone else’s bargain now, I’ll stay patient & keep looking.
Thanks again for your insights.
May 2, 2009
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If it didn’t have the caliber stamp on the barrel it would of been a great deal. You could change out the elevator and find a raised thumb print.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
