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I have this 1873 Winchester rifle 28″ OBR 44WCF , the barrel is milled on the underside flat with a groove for the magazine tube like the 1876 Winchester Oct. barrel rifles . The markings under the barrel just in front of the reciever are (123 )and farther down an( X ) then a single dot punch mark farther towards the forearm tennon a( VB) mark in the circle . A large (P) stamped on the face of the reciever. I have noticed this is the only 1873 model that I have that has the bottom flat milled with the groove ,the other 24″ barrels are just flat . Is this because of the 28″ barrel lenth? I am sure this is old hat to most of you and sorry for the rerun if this has already been answered. Thanks for any help,,,,DT
DT,
The 123 was a inspection marking that started in the second models and the VB should be VP if you look closer. The undercut on the barrel started with the first model and was reduced over time. That is what gave people the impression they had a heavier than normal barrel when they seen the undercut at the end of the barrel. There is no pattern I have found to the undercut except its mostly 44’s that I have seen it on. I have a late 44 with the undercut to the muzzle and a earlier one with it. The smaller calibers barrels have a smaller diameter so they didn’t undercut them but I haven’t looked for it. Some guns have the undercut at the breech but its gone once you get past the forearm.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man Thank You for your answer. You are right the VB turned into a VP with the use of my glass. Old eyes ! Any idea what the small ( x) is for? I see it on my 76 rifles also. I have (5) OBR 1876 Winchesters all have the undercut we speak of. This 28″ barrel 73 is the only one of my 73 rifles that I have that is undercut. Thanks Again ,,,DT
DT,
The X is another one of those marks that does show up on the under side of a 73 barrel. I have seen numerous single letters or numbers stamped there but its unknown what those mean. The ones you will always see is +++, CCC or 123 for a three part inspection or test and then the VP in a circle starting in the second model. The P on the receiver is one of the more common stamps I have seen.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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