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January 26, 2011
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Finally took the time to take a few pics of a 3rd model Deluxe 1873 I picked up at the Cody show, SN 252256. It’s not a high condition gun, but clean and original with no major detractions to speak of. Rocky Mt. blade front sight, Sporting rear, Lyman #1 peep added later but good case color underneath and finish matches rifle so I think its been on there a long time. Pretty good bore as a bonus. Case colors have silvered out on the frame, but it’s the wood that really carries the rifle. I traded another marginal brown patina 44wcf 73 towards it so it was a good upgrade for me. Anyway, the pics aren’t the best, but thought I’d share anyway.
Factory ledger shows:
Rifle
38
Octagon
Checkered Stock, Pistol Grip
Casehardened
Date in – Nov. 8, 1887
Shipped – Nov. 14, 1887
Gary
~Gary~
May 2, 2009
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Gary,
Nice original looking deluxe you picked up.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
March 23, 2007
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Real pretty wood on that gun Gary. Too me, the wood makes the gun. Nice upgrade!
Matt
March 20, 2009
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Congratulations on the new acquisition Gary. Nice looking rifle.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
January 26, 2011
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Thanks for the comments, guys. Yes, its a good example of how the wood can make or break a gun. That being said, the untouched screws, perfect magazine end cap, and dust cover that works perfectly makes up for the lower condition metal. It was an opportunity to own a 73 deluxe without having to trade the kids college fund to do it.
Gary
~Gary~
March 20, 2009
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pdog72 wrote:
It was an opportunity to own a 73 deluxe without having to trade the kids college fund to do it.
That is a good choice to make. Keep the college fund. Trade the kid for a Deluxe in 44 WCF and you still have the cash for another gun!!! It really is all so simple.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
January 26, 2011
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Sounds like you have it all figured out, Michael.
~Gary~
December 30, 2011
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Gary
Gorgeous woodwork on that one. Kind of neat it got used some long ago and has a decent bore too. I bet the original owner strutted around a little when that rifle arrived. Now we do that with photos on the internet I guess!
Brad
January 26, 2011
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I have an antique 1892 in 38-40 as well, also with a nice bore. Think I’ll take them both out together and see which one shoots better. Now that would be fun. One of my goals is to start shooting some of them more rather than just petting them at home.
Gary
~Gary~
April 15, 2005
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pdog72 said
One of my goals is to start shooting some of them more rather than just petting them at home.Gary
That would be a good idea… your wife might get jealous if you spend too much time "petting" those old Winchesters 
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
January 26, 2011
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Yes, I think in a brief fit of anger she may have hinted at that once….. 😯
~Gary~
June 11, 2014
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I don’t know how I missed this. That is absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful stocks, case hardened receiver, octagon barrel … what more could a fellow ask for. Of all the classic Winchesters, if I could have my pick it would be either a deluxe ’73 or a deluxe ’76.
