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I have a 1873 Winchester in 44 shot caliber. It has the half round, half octagonal barrel with the short magazine tube. It is in really great condition with what appears to be original finish but the tocks appear to be refinished. Here is my question. I purchased this firearm to have it engraved. Is this configuration rare enough that I should leave it as is? Factory letter states it was shipped in 1894 as 44 caliber with octagonal barrel. Would factory records reflect it as 44 shot? What does the factory call a half round/ half octagonal barrel? If I should leave it in the original conditional, I would be willing to sell if it rounded out someone’s collection. Any information on this model of rifle is appreciated. Email is: [email protected]
Thanks
Darrick Smalley
May 2, 2009
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Darrick,
What does it say on the letter? What is the serial number? From what I see in the pictures the gun originally was not a 44. The frame is a 38 or 32 caliber frame. The barrel caliber marks was not done by Winchester.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 2, 2009
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If your gun were original, the letter would definitely mention that the barrel was half octagon. The letter would also mention that it was made for the .44 Shot cartridge and the correct mag tube length. The rifle in your photos has been greatly altered from what it was when shipped. Caliber is wrong, barrel configuration is wrong and the mag tube length is wrong. Wood has been badly sanded and no finish on metal.
May 2, 2009
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Also they would letter and marked as 44 “smooth” not “shot”.
To answer your question, do what you want to the gun.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
March 31, 2009
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I agree with Bob and Rick and just to add another note, your picture shows a 3/4 mag not a half mag. A half mag would end very close to the end of the forearm. Engraving would not really help this gun.
January 19, 2017
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I’d say that’s a prime candidate for engraving. It certainly won’t hurt it. If you do, please post pics of the final product.
March 31, 2009
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Huck’s right it won’t hurt the gun.
May 2, 2009
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I would guess you have a parts gun. either the lower tang with the serial number has been put in a 38 caliber frame or the serial number of the 38 has been changed. A 44 caliber rifle has a heavier area where the barrel threads in to the receiver and the barrel is larger diameter accordingly. The 44 frame has no step on the top side between the chamber and the barrel. My guess is the barrel is smaller diameter than a 44 barrel from the looks of it. They took a 38 barrel and chambered it for the 44 and remarked it. If it was a full size 44 barrel the corners of the barrel would be flush with 38 caliber receiver.
Below is a 44 caliber frame.
Your letter shows just a standard 44 rifle.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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