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April 2, 2016
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I am looking for a 1873 44-40 rifle and found one that has a half octagon/round barrel. I am told that this is a pretty rare find but I have seen that a thousand times. Can somebody tell me if this is indeed a rare option or not? This is the only option on the gun. It is not a high grade collectors gun but I would rate it about 60%, one I can shoot and the seller rates the bore at a 7or 8.
June 4, 2017
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I would not call that a rare option, it’s not as common. I don’t think it adds value over a full octagon. Full octagon was the most common because that’s what Winchester’s customers wanted then and collectors today prefer octagon. When I think about a 1873 rifle I see a Full octagon, full magazine, rifle butt.
Just my opinion, others my disagree. T/R
May 2, 2009
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Jerry,
Half octagon make up about 3.5% of the rifles in my survey. That said it adds a little to the rifle but not much. If the gun was a extra heavy which is about 1.5% it has a bigger affect on the price not because of the percentage but its what collectors really look for. What is the serial number? I will add it to my survey.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 19, 2006
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My opinion would be that the half octagon feature adds a premium of a few hundred dollars.
November 7, 2015
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I like the half octagon barrel, I think it balances well while possibly adding some of the accuracy of the full octagon barrel. Madis felt the half octagon/full magazine was a rare combination but I’m inclined to view it as merely unusual….unless of course you’re referring to my 1873 in 38-40 with half octagon and full mag.
😉
Mike
April 2, 2016
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The serial number is 307074B
May 2, 2009
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Thanks Jerry, It added to the survey.
Mike, The Half Octagon is close to about half and half between full and half mag. I have 260 with half mags and 243 with full mags.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
June 4, 2017
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When it comes to the 1876, only 783 were half octagon according to the Houze Book. This might have something to do with balance, the big receiver being heavy and a lighten barrel making the carry point to far back.
I have a very nice 1876 deluxe with a half octagon and half magazine, every time I displayed it several collectors would comment, “to bad it isn’t full octagon and full mag”. 20 years ago the collector that sold it to me said “that’s rare”. I like it but I’d trade it for a full octagon and full mag in the same condition even up. T/R
