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Just bought this M1873 22 from Turnbull. No it is not a restoration. Serial # 325880B circa 1889. An antique no less. Round bbl. and is a 22 Short. Pretty nice rifle and about 75%. Bore is average with corrosion, but fairly strong rifling. Appears to be 100% as it came from the factory. Yes, I will shoot it as soon as I can find some standard velocity ammo. High speed is a no no, and Winchester published that fact many years ago. Except for a few “A” types, this completes my 22 collection. Big Larry
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Larry,
Those who state that Hi-speed 22 Short ammo is a “No-No” for a Model 1873 are smoking some funny stuff. The 22 Short in any of its many different load iterations does not create anywhere near enough pressure to damage the barrel or action on a Model 1873 that is in good working order.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Very nice! Thanks for the photos.
I agree with Bert, .22HV should not come even come close to causing any damage.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
I was going from a quote in Mr. Madis’s fine book. An actual picture of the warning. Like my Model 1885 in 22 short, would the twist of the rifling be different for a slower speed bullet? I also have a very nice M56 in 22 short and have found the HV to be totally inaccurate. I am speaking 50 yards here. I have yet to fire the M1885, but with all the special options on the rifle, I have no doubt that it will shoot nice groups even with the not so perfect bore. Thanks Bert. Big Larry
Larry,
As has been discussed in the past numerous times, you should not take everything you read in Madis’ books as being the “gospel” (accurate). The rifling twist rate for the older “black powder” 22 Short rifles appears to have been 1:24. For the post 1900 production rifles, Winchester used a 1:20 twist rate for the 22 Short. Regardless of which twist rate your Model 1873 has, it will safely shoot any 22 Short ammo you want to use in it. The bullet weight did not change by more than 1-grain for any of the 22 Short production ammo that I am aware of, and it is the weight/length of the bullet that dictates the rifling twist rate more so than the velocity.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Very nice Big Larry! That’s one fine collection you have acquired!
Dave
WACA #10119
NRA Member
Thanks guys. My friend Tom is busy taking it apart and cleaning it. Then he will wax it. He will also take it to the range and test it out. I gave him a box of Eley pistol match in 22 short to try it out. I will also get around to shooting it myself. Later, I will shoot my M1885 also in 22 short. Thanks again for the response. Big Larry
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