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                    <title>1873man on Winchester 1873 questions</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/winchester-1873-questions/#p186674</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/winchester-1873-questions/#p186674</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<p>Jim,</p>
<p> If you want you can email me the pictures at the address below.</p>
<p>Bob</p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 18:58:02 +0000</pubDate>
                </item>
				                <item>
                    <title>Anthony #5411 on Just an observation . . .</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186673</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186673</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<p>I know if I as a collector was thinking about, "going to war', with someone, I surely wouldn't grab any of my collectable Winchesters! <img class="spSmiley" style="margin:0" title="Laugh" alt="Laugh" src="https://winchestercollector.org/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-laugh.gif" /><img class="spSmiley" style="margin:0" title="Laugh" alt="Laugh" src="https://winchestercollector.org/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-laugh.gif" /><img class="spSmiley" style="margin:0" title="Laugh" alt="Laugh" src="https://winchestercollector.org/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-laugh.gif" /></p>
<p>Before my scrapping young son became a Scout Sniper in the USMC, he was a Squad machine gunner carrying a M-249, (a SAW, in Afghanistan), and you want to talk about heavy!!! Now that something I grab for war or even an assault on my place, protecting my family!!!</p>
<table id="mwCw" class="infobox vcard" style="width: 384px;border-spacing: 2px;height: 1977px">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2"><span class="fn org">Light Machine Gun, 5.56 mm, M249 SAW </span></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="infobox-image" style="text-align: center;border-bottom: 1px solid #aaa;line-height: 1.5em" colspan="2"><span class="mw-default-size"><a class="mw-file-description" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PEO_M249_Para_ACOG.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="mw-file-element" src="https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/PEO_M249_Para_ACOG.jpg/250px-PEO_M249_Para_ACOG.jpg?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&amp;utm_campaign=parser&amp;utm_content=thumbnail" width="250" height="116" /></a></span></p>
<div class="infobox-caption">M249 Para with an <a title="Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Combat_Optical_Gunsight" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">ACOG</a> optical sight</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">Type</th>
<td class="infobox-data"><a title="Light machine gun" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_machine_gun" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Light machine gun</a><br />
<a title="Squad automatic weapon" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squad_automatic_weapon" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Squad automatic weapon</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">Place of origin</th>
<td class="infobox-data"><a title="Belgium" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Belgium</a> / <a title="United States" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">United States</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">Service history</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">In service</th>
<td class="infobox-data">1984–present</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">Used by</th>
<td class="infobox-data">See <em><a class="mw-selflink-fragment" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M249_Squad_Automatic_Weapon#Users" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Users</a></em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">Wars</th>
<td class="infobox-data">
<div class="plainlist ">
<ul>
<li><a title="United States invasion of Panama" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_invasion_of_Panama" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">United States invasion of Panama</a></li>
<li><a title="Gulf War" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Gulf War</a></li>
<li><a title="Somali Civil War" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somali_Civil_War" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Somali Civil War</a></li>
<li><a title="Bosnian War" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosnian_War" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Bosnian War</a></li>
<li><a title="Kosovo War" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosovo_War" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Kosovo War</a></li>
<li><a title="War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_(2001–2021)" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)</a></li>
<li><a title="Iraq War" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_War" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Iraq War</a></li>
<li><a class="mw-redirect" title="Syrian Civil War" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrian_Civil_War" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Syrian Civil War</a></li>
<li><a class="mw-redirect" title="Russo-Ukrainian War (2014–present)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Ukrainian_War_(2014–present)" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Russo-Ukrainian War (2014–present)</a><sup class="mw-ref reference"><a id="mwDA" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M249_Squad_Automatic_Weapon#cite_note-1" target="_blank"><span id="mwDQ" class="mw-reflink-text"><span id="mwDg" class="cite-bracket">[</span>1<span id="mwDw" class="cite-bracket">]</span></span></a></sup></li>
<li><a class="mw-redirect" title="Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yemeni_Civil_War_(2014–present)" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)</a></li>
<li><a class="mw-redirect" title="Saudi-led intervention in Yemen" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi-led_intervention_in_Yemen" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Saudi-led intervention in Yemen</a></li>
<li><a class="mw-redirect" title="Haitian gang war" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitian_gang_war" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Haitian gang war</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">Production history</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">Designed</th>
<td class="infobox-data">1976</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">Manufacturer</th>
<td class="infobox-data"><a class="mw-redirect" title="FN America" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FN_America" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">FN America</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">Unit cost</th>
<td class="infobox-data">US$4,087<sup class="mw-ref reference"><a id="mwEA" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M249_Squad_Automatic_Weapon#cite_note-Military_Analysis_Network-1999-2" target="_blank"><span id="mwEQ" class="mw-reflink-text"><span id="mwEg" class="cite-bracket">[</span>2<span id="mwEw" class="cite-bracket">]</span></span></a></sup></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">Produced</th>
<td class="infobox-data">Late 1970s–present</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">Variants</th>
<td class="infobox-data">See <em><a class="mw-selflink-fragment" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M249_Squad_Automatic_Weapon#Variants" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Variants</a></em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">Specifications</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">Mass</th>
<td class="infobox-data">
<div class="plainlist ">
<ul>
<li>7.5 kg (17 lb) empty</li>
<li>10 kg (22 lb) with 200-round soft pouch</li>
</ul>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">Length</th>
<td class="infobox-data">40.75 in (1,035 mm)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row"><a title="Gun barrel" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_barrel" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Barrel</a> length</th>
<td class="infobox-data">
<div class="plainlist ">
<ul>
<li>465 mm (18.3 in)</li>
<li>521 mm (20.5 in)</li>
</ul>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2">
<hr />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row"><a title="Cartridge (firearms)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartridge_(firearms)" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Cartridge</a></th>
<td class="infobox-data"><a title="5.56×45mm NATO" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5.56×45mm_NATO" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">5.56×45mm NATO</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row"><a title="Action (firearms)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_(firearms)" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Action</a></th>
<td class="infobox-data"><a class="mw-redirect" title="Gas-operated long-stroke piston system" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas-operated_long-stroke_piston_system" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Gas-operated long-stroke piston system</a>, <a title="Open bolt" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_bolt" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">open bolt</a>, <a title="Rotating bolt" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotating_bolt" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">rotating bolt</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row"><a title="Rate of fire" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rate_of_fire" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Rate of fire</a></th>
<td class="infobox-data">850 rounds/min</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row"><a title="Muzzle velocity" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muzzle_velocity" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Muzzle velocity</a></th>
<td class="infobox-data">915 m/s (3,000 ft/s)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">Effective firing range</th>
<td class="infobox-data">
<div class="plainlist ">
<ul>
<li>700 m (2,300 ft) (point target, 465 mm barrel)</li>
<li>800 m (2,600 ft) (point target, 521 mm barrel)</li>
<li>3,600 m (11,800 ft) (maximum range)</li>
</ul>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">Feed system</th>
<td class="infobox-data"><a title="M27 link" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M27_link" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">M27 linked disintegrating belt</a> in a 100- or 200-round soft pouch<br />
<a title="STANAG magazine" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STANAG_magazine" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">STANAG magazine</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">Sights</th>
<td class="infobox-data"><a title="Iron sights" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_sights" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Iron sights</a> or <a title="Picatinny rail" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picatinny_rail" rel="mw:WikiLink" target="_blank">Picatinny rail</a> for various optical sights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="infobox-label" scope="row">References</th>
<td class="infobox-data"><sup class="mw-ref reference"><a id="mwFA" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M249_Squad_Automatic_Weapon#cite_note-FM23-14-3" target="_blank"><span id="mwFQ" class="mw-reflink-text"><span id="mwFg" class="cite-bracket">[</span>3<span id="mwFw" class="cite-bracket">]</span></span></a></sup><sup class="mw-ref reference"><a id="mwGA" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M249_Squad_Automatic_Weapon#cite_note-FM3-22.68-4" target="_blank"><span id="mwGQ" class="mw-reflink-text"><span id="mwGg" class="cite-bracket">[</span>4<span id="mwGw" class="cite-bracket">]</span></span></a></sup></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The answer is Yes to you're obvious question! <img class="spSmiley" style="margin:0" title="Wink" alt="Wink" src="https://winchestercollector.org/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-wink.gif" /></p>
<p>"We have the right to Keep and Bear Arms!" </p>
<p>Tony</p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 18:32:54 +0000</pubDate>
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                    <title>Tedk on Just an observation . . .</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186671</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186671</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">
<p><strong>Bert H. said </strong><br />
Jim,<br />
I once owned a 1907 production 30 WCF Model 1894 Take Down rifle with a 26" Octagon barrel and full length magazine... it would hold (10) cartridges in the tube, plus one more in the chamber.  Due to the extra length (and steel) of the TD receiver frame, it was a very heavy brute when fully loaded, but a pleasure to shoot. <br />
Many years ago I loaded some special loads for it using the Sierra 168 grain Match King bullets, and I got it to shoot sub MOA 3-shot groups @ 100-yds.  I had put a Lyman No. 2A tang sight, and a Lyman 17A globe front sight on it... it looked a bit odd, but it could sure shoot good.  I unfortunately sold that rifle to fund the purchase of a Single Shot rifle.<br />
Bert<br />
  </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Bert,</p>
<p>I own the exact same configuration Model 1894, albeit a couple years newer than yours (you’ve seen pics of the gun and have it in your survey). Pristine, highest condition Model 1894 that I’ve ever owned and it doesn’t appear that a shell has ever passed thru the loading gate. I do really like the way the gun feels in the hands and comes to the shoulder, but unfortunately it will never be loaded and fired while I’m the owner. One of the pitfalls of collecting I guess.</p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 18:15:05 +0000</pubDate>
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                    <title>Jeremy P on Just an observation . . .</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186670</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186670</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<p>My shoulder hurts just thinking about the two examples listed just above <img class="spSmiley" style="margin:0" title="Laugh" alt="Laugh" src="https://winchestercollector.org/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-laugh.gif" /><img class="spSmiley" style="margin:0" title="Laugh" alt="Laugh" src="https://winchestercollector.org/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-laugh.gif" /><img class="spSmiley" style="margin:0" title="Laugh" alt="Laugh" src="https://winchestercollector.org/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-laugh.gif" /></p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 17:32:57 +0000</pubDate>
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                    <title>twobit on Just an observation . . .</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186668</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186668</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<p>I used to hear my dad say "load on Sunday and shoot all week!"  <img class="spSmiley" style="margin:0" title="Confused" alt="Confused" src="https://winchestercollector.org/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-confused.gif" />  </p>
<p>Michael</p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 17:23:36 +0000</pubDate>
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                    <title>oldcrankyyankee on Just an observation . . .</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186667</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186667</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<p>My 36" 1886 holds 11 45-90 in the mag one in the chamber for 12 total. t</p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 17:18:10 +0000</pubDate>
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				                <item>
                    <title>Henry Mero on Just an observation . . .</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186666</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186666</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<p>Man , if You think these '94's are heavy, how would You like to cart around a Mod. '76  30" heavy barrel all loaded up with .50-95  0r an '86  30" heavy barrel full of 45-70-500gr . I don't know what the weight would be , but I'm guessing close to 20 lbs. </p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 17:15:40 +0000</pubDate>
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				                <item>
                    <title>Jeremy P on Winchester 1873 questions</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/winchester-1873-questions/#p186665</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/winchester-1873-questions/#p186665</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">
<p><strong>Henry Mero said </strong><br />
As Jeremy said, post it here with several pictures , complete serial number etc. You are in the right place to sell it to a collector.   Harry<br />
  </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Yes, indeed. Someone here may be interested and can help you through. Welcome to the forums!</p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 17:06:32 +0000</pubDate>
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				                <item>
                    <title>Jeremy P on Just an observation . . .</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186664</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186664</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">
<p><strong>Jim F in CT said </strong></p>
<p>Still wonder if all that “firepower” was ever necessary in a sporting rifle.</p>
<p>  </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Better to have and not need than, well, you know.... 🙂</p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 17:05:35 +0000</pubDate>
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				                <item>
                    <title>Henry Mero on Winchester 1873 questions</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/winchester-1873-questions/#p186663</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/winchester-1873-questions/#p186663</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<p>As Jeremy said, post it here with several pictures , complete serial number etc. You are in the right place to sell it to a collector.   Harry</p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 17:04:48 +0000</pubDate>
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				                <item>
                    <title>TXGunNut on Just an observation . . .</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186662</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186662</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">
<p><strong>Tedk said </strong><br />
Over the 60+ years I’ve chased PA and NY bucks I would typically load three cartridges in my gun. First shot is the money shot and in 60+ years have never taken a shot at a tail bounding away through the woods.<br />
On the other hand I frequently hear strings of 5 or 6 rapid fire shots in deer season and have to wonder what kind of shots the shooter is taking.<br />
  </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Same thing in Texas. I was pretty sure my 94 rifles held more than 2 rounds but can't recall ever finding out how many. I think a carbine with a full-length magazine holds five or six. I'm pretty sure I checked that a few decades back. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mike</p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 17:03:10 +0000</pubDate>
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				                <item>
                    <title>Jeremy P on Winchester 1873 questions</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/winchester-1873-questions/#p186661</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/winchester-1873-questions/#p186661</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<p>If it is as truly as nice as you say (someone will be by shortly to request pics 🙂 ), you might do well to have a major auction house sell it for you. GunBroker is not as friendly to a new online seller. At least if you're going to pay fees, get top dollar.</p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 16:44:57 +0000</pubDate>
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                    <title>jim@wjharrison.com on Winchester 1873 questions</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/winchester-1873-questions/#p186660</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/winchester-1873-questions/#p186660</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<p>Morning,</p>
<p>I was recently given a very nice 1873 in .38-40. Octagonal barrel, original wood in good shape retaining most of original finish, bluing 90%+ intact, no damage or rusting. Bore is shiny with strong rifling. Best I have seen. Evidently shot very little. serial 477***B.</p>
<p>If I decide to sell, what would be best online places to do so?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Any instructive thoughts on value?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks, </p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 16:30:54 +0000</pubDate>
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                    <title>Tedk on Just an observation . . .</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186659</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/just-an-observation/#p186659</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<p>Over the 60+ years I’ve chased PA and NY bucks I would typically load three cartridges in my gun. First shot is the money shot and in 60+ years have never taken a shot at a tail bounding away through the woods.</p>
<p>On the other hand I frequently hear strings of 5 or 6 rapid fire shots in deer season and have to wonder what kind of shots the shooter is taking.</p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 16:11:47 +0000</pubDate>
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                    <title>Rob Kassab on Bavarian contract Henry Rifle</title>
                    <link>https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/bavarian-contract-henry-rifle/page-2/#p186658</link>
                    <category>Winchester Rifles</category>
                    <guid isPermaLink="true">https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/bavarian-contract-henry-rifle/page-2/#p186658</guid>
					                        <description><![CDATA[<p>Gentlemen,</p>
<p>I am currently working with a gentleman in Germany, Mr. Christian Borchers, WACA #69016 who has a keen interest in these rifles.  So far, he has been a good friend and resource.  We have been in contact with several European firearms museums, including one in Liège, Belgium.  Although nothing is conclusive yet, we are tending to think that contrary to popular beliefs, these guns are not connected with Bavaria.  To better explain where we are at, here's my email to the Belgium museum:</p>
<p>-----------------------------</p>
<p><span style="font-family: &apos;Times New Roman&apos;,serif">We are currently conducting research into a European-made copy of the Henry rifle. These firearms are commonly referred to by collectors as "Bavarian Contract Henrys." However, based upon research conducted over many decades by both American and German collectors and historians, we believe this designation may be incorrect. At present, there is no definitive evidence that these rifles were manufactured in Bavaria or elsewhere in Germany, nor that they were produced under contract for either the Bavarian or Prussian military.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: &apos;Times New Roman&apos;,serif">Based on the serial numbers of known surviving examples (see attached), including serial number 134, which we understand is in the collection of your Liège Arms Museum, we estimate that approximately 500 rifles were manufactured, likely sometime between 1860 and 1875. While their exact origin remains unknown, current evidence increasingly points toward the possibility that they were produced in Liège.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: &apos;Times New Roman&apos;,serif">As you know, the Liège arms industry was well known during the nineteenth century for manufacturing copies of Winchester firearms. It therefore seems plausible that these Henry copies may have been produced in Liège for a specialized military unit, a foreign government contract in Latin America, or possibly for use in Africa or Asia.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: &apos;Times New Roman&apos;,serif">I personally own serial number 471 and have attached photographs for your review. Of particular interest are several inspector's marks that we have thus far been unable to identify with any degree of certainty. We are hopeful that these markings may provide clues regarding the rifles' place of manufacture or intended destination.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: &apos;Times New Roman&apos;,serif">I have also enclosed a relatively recent article published in a German firearms journal discussing these rifles and the continuing mystery surrounding their origin, manufacture, and service history.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: &apos;Times New Roman&apos;,serif">Because no documentary evidence has yet been found linking these rifles to Bavaria, and because further research in Germany has yielded limited results, our investigation has increasingly focused on Belgium and specifically on Liège. We would therefore be most grateful for any information, observations, archival references, or insights that you might be able to provide, especially regarding the crown over gothic “L” mark.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: &apos;Times New Roman&apos;,serif">Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Any assistance you can offer would be sincerely appreciated and would contribute significantly to our ongoing research.</span></p>
<p>-----------------------------------</p>
<p>We will be keeping you posted as to our progress.  I will also be posting a "Information Wanted" notice in our magazine so see if we can identify any serials beyond the 17 guns we have found: 31, 47, 65, 71, 134, 170, 181, 197, 212, 217, 300, 325, 331, 379, 456, 471, 491</p>
<p>Please let us know if you know of any other serial numbers that are out there.  In the meantime, please welcome my good friend and WACA member Christian Borchers to our forum community.</p>
]]></description>
					                    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 15:44:34 +0000</pubDate>
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