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December 27, 2007
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My youngest son has a ’73: .32 WCF, 26″ oct, beautiful wood, and a single set-trigger–July, 1886.
We were wondering if it had been reblued. The receiver’s finish is a flat, charcoal-like blue. It doesn’t smell like cold blue. Is there an aging process or a storage environment that would cause this color?
Also, the magazine tube is about a half inch shorter than the barrel. Is that standard with the 26 inch length?
May 2, 2009
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Good clear pictures will tell a lot if its been reblued. Blue can age several ways. I have seen some guns that have turned to a dull blue.
The mag tube being 1/2″ shorter is not right.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
December 27, 2007
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I’ll ask him if he’d like to send photos.
Would there be signs on the magazine tube showing it had been altered?
December 1, 2012
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Not necessary. Winchester magazine tubes were never 1/2″ short of the muzzle.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
May 2, 2009
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It possible there could be a mark left on the under side of the barrel or the lack of blue on the end where it was cut. Have you lettered it yet?
Pictures showing the stampings and what the screw holes look like will tell if its been buffed before rebluing.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
December 27, 2007
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We don’t have an official letter. A few years ago, Ms. Bennett sent an email that noted its specifics.–Kind of her to do so.
What is this “never” business?
Since when did a Winchester “never” stay true! I guess that missing 1/2 inch is THE sign.
