Log In
January 28, 2016
Offline
Is a shotgun butt on an 1873 rifle common?
May 2, 2009
Offline
Mark,
They are not common at all, only about 2.5% of rifles have a shotgun butt.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Just found this thread. Bob do you know when the shotgun butt was first offered for the 73 ?
The earliest I can find for a m1873 is a couple for sale online both DOM 1883.
RickC
May 2, 2009
Offline
Rick,
The earliest gun I have with one on is serial 970 but it was a R&R and changed to pistol grip & shot gun butt. Then I have one in 1877 but it was a special order gun, gold and engraved. By 1879 I see them show up more consistently.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Thanks Bob. I have a 86 DOM 1897 with shotgun butt & the letter says “shotgun butt Model 73” so was trying to figure why they referred to it as model 73.
Probably when it was first introduced I guess.
RickC
November 19, 2006
Offline
RickC said
Thanks Bob. I have a 86 DOM 1897 with shotgun butt & the letter says “shotgun butt Model 73” so was trying to figure why they referred to it as model 73.
Probably when it was first introduced I guess.RickC
I find that a very curious and interesting notation.
April 15, 2005
Offline
Rick,
I suspect that the notation “shotgun butt Model 73” refers to the dimensional size of the stock and butt plate on your Model 1886. Somebody wanted a slightly smaller sized stock.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 19, 2006
Offline
Bert H. said
Rick,
I suspect that the notation “shotgun butt Model 73” refers to the dimensional size of the stock and butt plate on your Model 1886. Somebody wanted a slightly smaller sized stock.
Bert
Rick –
Is your buttstock and plate of smaller size than what is typically found on a M1886?
Bert H. said
Rick,
I suspect that the notation “shotgun butt Model 73” refers to the dimensional size of the stock and butt plate on your Model 1886. Somebody wanted a slightly smaller sized stock.
Bert
Maybe that’s it Bert. I’ll have to check the size.
RickC
steve004 said
Rick –
Is your buttstock and plate of smaller size than what is typically found on a M1886?
I didn’t think so Steve but I’m going to look into that.
RickC
March 31, 2009
Offline
Maybe they just used one from a 73 to fill the order?
Chuck said
Maybe they just used one from a 73 to fill the order?
That could be true as well Chuck.
June 4, 2017
Offline
I owned a 1876 dlx extra heavy that lettered 73 stock. It was thinner and had a 73 rifle butt plate with trap for rods. You ordered it they built it. T/R
November 19, 2006
Offline
TR said
I owned a 1876 dlx extra heavy that lettered 73 stock. It was thinner and had a 73 rifle butt plate with trap for rods. You ordered it they built it. T/R
Well I want to order one! 
TR – that sounds like it was a very interesting rifle. One would think that if you ordered a ’73 stock on a ’76, the owner’s agenda was a lighter rifle. But the one you had, with an extra heavy barrel – how does this add up? Extra heavy barreled rifles already were front heavy and not balanced well. I would think a lighter buttstock would exaggerate this even further. I would truly enjoy knowing what the original purchaser of your rifle had in mind.
June 4, 2017
Offline
Steve, Model 1876 s/n 14379 is a “73 style” straight grip deluxe marked 3x, 28″ ex hvy octagon, set trigger, 45/60, mfg June 1881. Well used, maybe buffalo. Sold it in the 90’s to a friend and he sold it to another friend of my. Like I said if you wanted it they would build it. It all lettered. T/R
November 19, 2006
Offline
TR said
Steve, Model 1876 s/n 14379 is a “73 style” straight grip deluxe marked 3x, 28″ ex hvy octagon, set trigger, 45/60, mfg June 1881. Well used, maybe buffalo. Sold it in the 90’s to a friend and he sold it to another friend of my. Like I said if you wanted it they would build it. It all lettered. T/R
Sounds like my kind of rifle
November 19, 2006
Offline
RickC said
Here’s the search configuration for my 86.
That is very cool. A rare rifle. Special ordered as a short rifle, takedown with the special 73 shotgun butt. Very very cool. What’s the condition like?
steve004 said
RickC said
Here’s the search configuration for my 86.
That is very cool. A rare rifle. Special ordered as a short rifle, takedown with the special 73 shotgun butt. Very very cool. What’s the condition like?
Steve it’s very rare. Possibly a prototype to the ELW after conversing with a couple of the resident experts here. It also has the 8 3/8 forestock & 4” rear sight dovetail & 22” rapid taper barrel.
RickC
