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March 17, 2014
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i am trying to replace the forearm end cap on an 1873 octagon barrel rifle (.32 WCF, 351009B) (To replace one drilled for a sling swivel). I found an appropriately weathered replacement on eBay, but it seems to be for a smaller diameter octagon barrel.
Were there different barrel profiles? Or is it more likely the replacement has been deformed slightly (in which case maybe I can open it up slightly.)?
I can almost force it onto the barrel, but don’t want to apply that much force. It fits the magazine tube just fine, but I think it may be for a smaller barrel profile if such exist.
Many thanks,
Ray
Ray James, College Station, Texas
May 2, 2009
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Ray,
Your post is in the wrong forum, you should be in Restoration, Repair and Maintenance forum.
Yes, barrels had slightly different sizes. In the 32 caliber barrels I have seen .020″ barrel size variation. If its close you can spread it slightly. Measure the barrel and the cap and let me know what the difference is. Is it round or Octagon? Barrel length?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
September 24, 2016
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I am currently working on a 1873 3rd Model rifle 32-20. The barrel does not have any caliber markings. The barrel has all the right markings otherwise. I am not experienced enough to have seen any 1873’s other than 44-40 without caliber markings on barrel or bottom of frame. What gives?
May 2, 2009
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Reginald,
I have never seen a 32 without a caliber mark on the barrel. What is the serial number? Pictures would also help spot a reason. In the 73 barrel survey I have a 32 caliber barrel should be about .872″ at the breech and about .750″ at the muzzle.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
September 24, 2016
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Thanks Bob,
This has to be a replacement barrel even though it shows the same wear pattern as the frame and receiver. The bore measurements are in line but the lever, hammer, rear sight appear to be blued rather than browned as the barrel and receiver are. The serial number is 389829B. This places it in 1891 after 32-20 started being made. The Winchester address is faint and weak, the bore is dark but not pitted. I think I have a “put together gun”. I looked at my pictures but nothing definitive except some marks on the barrel that run parallel with the barrel about 1/2 inch long and about 1/2 inch before the insertion into the frame. I took the magazine tube off and the bottom of the barrel looks the same as the rest. Any more insight?
May 2, 2009
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Without pictures I can’t really help you much more.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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