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November 1, 2026
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Hi All,
I just joined the forum a few days ago and thought I show the first 73 that I bought earlier this year, hoping to get some input as to originality and possible replaced parts. I am not new to guns, but I am focusing on the 73 and 92 models for the first time. I load and shoot 32, 38 and 44 WCF in my revolvers and want to buy a few 92’s to go with it. I am trying to find original guns in good working condition and good bores. I have a lot more pictures if needed for feedback. These pictures are from the seller, who I thought did a very good job with his photographs.
Looking forward to hearing the good, bad and ugly. 
April 15, 2005
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It is a decent looking M1873 (Mark a.k.a. Jack The Dog) usually has very clean honest guns, or will tell you otherwise.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
September 22, 2011
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I agree, I don’t see any problems with it except for a fair amount of honest wear.
November 1, 2026
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I agree, I visited with Mark when I bought my first martial marked Colt SAA from him.
I did not mention the seller, in order to get feedback on the gun. I am hoping to learn as much as possible before going back to Tulsa next week. In preparation I also ordered the 86/92 Win. book by Arthur Pirkle.
April 30, 2023
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Agreed, I knew the words “nice, honest gun” would come up. Looks like some of the screws are really nice and untouched, “might” be replacements but other than that, nothing of note. A good shooter at the minimum and probably nicer than average in my book.
November 1, 2026
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Jeremy P said
Agreed, I knew the words “nice, honest gun” would come up. Looks like some of the screws are really nice and untouched, “might” be replacements but other than that, nothing of note. A good shooter at the minimum and probably nicer than average in my book.
Jeremy,
Thanks, I feel the same way. I like the looks, they just feel right for a 134 year old gun. The bore is shiny, the rifling good and I am going to work up some 32-20 loads for it. I read the “Tips on Buying an old Winchester” on this site and couldn’t find any red flags with this old 73. My next rifle will be a 92.
April 15, 2005
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IndianCent said
I agree, I visited with Mark when I bought my first martial marked Colt SAA from him.
I did not mention the seller, in order to get feedback on the gun. I am hoping to learn as much as possible before going back to Tulsa next week. In preparation I also ordered the 86/92 Win. book by Arthur Pirkle.
Mark has been using that same solid red background for his pictures for at least 20-years now. I enjoy chatting with him at the OAC show whenever I make the 3-hour drive south for a show. You can’t go wrong buying an old gun from him… definitely one of the “good guys” in his business.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
May 2, 2009
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I don’t see any issues with it either. Did you get a letter for it?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 1, 2026
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Bert H. said
IndianCent said
I agree, I visited with Mark when I bought my first martial marked Colt SAA from him.
I did not mention the seller, in order to get feedback on the gun. I am hoping to learn as much as possible before going back to Tulsa next week. In preparation I also ordered the 86/92 Win. book by Arthur Pirkle.
Mark has been using that same solid red background for his pictures for at least 20-years now. I enjoy chatting with him at the OAC show whenever I make the 3-hour drive south for a show. You can’t go wrong buying an old gun from him… definitely one of the “good guys” in his business.
Bert
I did the WAC show in Puyallup for 10 years, I bet I you enjoyed that show back when it was in it’s prime. We were in the “Education Room’ across the membership desk, during the Dennis Cook times. I grew from a half table to seven. My friend Dave Marshall used to make imitation ivory stocks.
April 15, 2005
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I stopped attending the WAC shows at least 15-years ago… they got way too political for my taste.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 1, 2026
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Bert H. said
I stopped attending the WAC shows at least 15-years ago… they got way too political for my taste.
Bert
I stopped in 2002 after I took over the range.
April 15, 2005
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IndianCent said
Bert H. said
I stopped attending the WAC shows at least 15-years ago… they got way too political for my taste.
Bert
I stopped in 2002 after I took over the range.
What range?
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 8, 2012
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Looks like a nice honest 73 to me. Congratulations.
December 13, 2006
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I have the very-same rifle . . .configured the very-same way . . .
I always had this question . . .
What is the significance of the “B” suffix to the serial number?
My rifle has a “sewer-pipe” bore, BUT! . . .
With my handload, it groups well enough to allow me to pot a few chucks!
May 2, 2009
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The B indicates a minor change in production is what I have been able to to learn but haven’t found the minor change yet.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
December 9, 2002
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I’m in agreement, with the members here, and with the honest looking 73 that the OP posted. Looks like a nice example to own and shoot to me. 
Thanks for sharing!
Bob,
That would be tremendous knowing and learning what improvements the letter, “B’, stands for. From memory it’s one of the few models that have a letter designation at the end of it’s serial number and we’re not sure what improvements we’re made.
Tony
November 1, 2026
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Bert H. said
IndianCent said
Bert H. said
I stopped attending the WAC shows at least 15-years ago… they got way too political for my taste.
Bert
I stopped in 2002 after I took over the range.
What range?
The Marksman in Puyallup, took it over in 2001 and sold it to two of my long term employees in 2019.
November 1, 2026
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Thanks for the nice comments with respect to my first 1873 in 32-20. I will look at it very closely as a good example when shopping at the Tulsa show next week.
Also it is worth mentioning that Idaho voted yesterday for the 1873 Winchester to be our Idaho State Gun!
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