There is no image. For a guest you need to have a third party host it and then link to it or you can send it to meat my email below.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
You might have to contact Trish, at [email protected] they might have to change a setting in your account.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Now that we have a picture I forgot what the question was and I can’t find the original post about this. I assume you were wondering why there is a extra dovetail cut into the dust cover rail. I have seen that done to mount a sight there to get a longer sighting radius like was done on some Henry rifles.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
January 18, 2020

My question was whether this was ever done at the factory as part of a special order, or whether this was done by the owner. Yes, that’s a convenient place for a sight, but I’m trying to restore this rifle at least close to its original configuration. I got a dust cover, with associated pieces, and it works fine, even with the dove tail cut in the rail.
I have restored Winchester 1897’s before and a 1887, but this is my first 1873. My first objective is to get it functional. I’ve made a lot of progress, but I’m a bit puzzled why the bolt will not fully retract with the finger lever fully extended. Sticks out about 1/32″. The lower tab is gone and that is probably why. I think the problem is due to the sear which is worn down at least 1/32″. Since the sear is short, it does not lock into the hammer with the finger lever fully extended, so the hammer is putting full force onto the firing pin pushing it forward. I ordered a new sear, so I’ll see what that does.
Sparky,
73’s never had a dovetail cut in the dust cover rail like that from the factory. Its a aftermarket modification. I assume you lettered the gun?
As to the bolt not going back all the way. It has noting to do with the sear or hammer. The only affect they would have is pushing the firing pin forward. The bolt is tied to the lever by the toggle links so I would install the toggles and leave the hammer out and cycle it and see were the problem lies. I would guess you have worn pins and toggles.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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