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In James Gordon’s two volume reference on the model 1873, he discusses two types of special elevators that were used on the rimfire 73’s. Both were adjustable to use either the 22 short or 22 long cartridges. One had a “selector lever” attached to the top of the elevator, which is apparently exceptionally rare. The other type could be adjusted only by removing the elevator and changing the position of the cartridge stop. Gordon lists two rifle serial numbers that he’s seen with this second style of elevator.
I have a “deluxe” sporting rifle that has this second type of elevator. My question has to do with whether this type of elevator is actually as rarely seen as Gordon implies, or if its a more common feature. Photos attached.
I do not know the answer to your question but sincerely hope you share photos and info on your rifle, it sounds like something most of us here would appreciate viewing and learning about.
Im sure someone will be along shortly that will have an answer to your question.
As a follow up to this post, here is the easiest way to check if your model 73 has this type of adjustable elevator. Bend a paper clip as shown in the attached picture. Open the action all the way, then work the paper clip throuth a second hole (if it has one) just behind the cartridge stop screw. The only other way to check is by removing the elevator.
For anyone that is willing to check, I’d appreciate knowing what you found.
Roger Adam
Roger,
That type you have is the common elevator I see in most all 22 caliber 73’s. If the 22 was chambered for the 22 Extra Long they put a spring on the other side with the spring installed with the screw to the front with longer spring. I have that style on my extra heavy 22 Extra long. The other one that has the lever that sticks above the elevator can change from short, long or extra long, that is the very rare.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man said
Roger,That type you have is the common elevator I see in most all 22 caliber 73’s. If the 22 was chambered for the 22 Extra Long they put a spring on the other side with the spring installed with the screw to the front with longer spring. I have that style on my extra heavy 22 Extra long. The other one that has the lever that sticks above the elevator can change from short, long or extra long, that is the very rare.
Bob
Bob, thanks so much for your response. If this adjustable elevator is common to most 22 rimfire 73’s, its surprising that Gordon flagged it as being found on only two rifles that he had examined. Specifically serial numbers 515797, and 218548.
Thanks, I learned something new.
Roger
Roger,
Here are three I found on Ebay.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man said
Roger,Here are three I found on Ebay.
Bob
Ok, that seems pretty convincing! Thanks for the education.
Roger
Roger,
I bought that gun after it was photographed for the book and when the book came out and read that about the selector I took it apart and saw it wasn’t anything special. The picture in the book makes it look real bad. Here’s some better pictures. The extra barrels in the letter is quite unusual.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man said
Roger,I bought that gun after it was photographed for the book and when the book came out and read that about the selector I took it apart and saw it wasn’t anything special. The picture in the book makes it look real bad. Here’s some better pictures. The extra barrels in the letter is quite unusual.
Bob
Thanks for the picture. Beautiful rifle.
The 1873 that I have was originally provided with a “XXX” checkered stock, pistol grip, and shotgun butt. That original stock is long gone, and replaced with one not nearly as nice. I’m looking for the correct replacement stock with high grade wood that I can fit, finish, and checker to bring it back to its original configuration. Your pictures help me to know what that should look like.
Roger
1873man said
Roger,I bought that gun after it was photographed for the book and when the book came out and read that about the selector I took it apart and saw it wasn’t anything special. The picture in the book makes it look real bad. Here’s some better pictures. The extra barrels in the letter is quite unusual.
Bob
Bob, that is one prized possession right there. Wow. I hope you didn’t have to trade a kidney for it. 🙂
1873man said
Roger,I bought that gun after it was photographed for the book and when the book came out and read that about the selector I took it apart and saw it wasn’t anything special. The picture in the book makes it look real bad. Here’s some better pictures. The extra barrels in the letter is quite unusual.
Bob
Beautiful rifle!
Nice rifle, Roger. Very nice.
I have a Model ’73 in .22 Short and it is of the second type you described.
I always assumed that the elevator blocks were manufactured that way so they could be assembled in either .22 Short or .22 Long. All it took was installing the cartridge stop in the appropriate spot. I never really considered that owners would disassemble their guns in order to switch ammo type. Anyway, that would only work with rifles chambered in .22 Long, not the reverse.
I just happened to have my rifle apart. Here’s a pic of the carrier and another of the rifle. This gun has been re-lined and it is a real tack driver. I attached a typical 25-yard, five-shot group.
Pete
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