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]
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]
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?
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.
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
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

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
1 Guest(s)
