Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/ Simple:Press Version 6.11.14 TXGunNut on Removed serial number https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186251 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186251 Hightime-

Does your 1886 have a set trigger?

 

 

Mike

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 17:15:12 +0000 Hightime on Removed serial number https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186250 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186250 I liked to see the video, thank you.

Owen

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 17:04:51 +0000 Chuck on Removed serial number https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186249 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186249 Another great video by Mark.

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 16:12:17 +0000 Jeremy P on Removed serial number https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186248 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186248

JWA said
Thanks for posting that Jeremy, I did not know Mark did a video on the process!  It is excellent as usual.
Best Regards,
  

Absolutely, I found it very interesting to say the least...a glimpse into forensic science!

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 16:05:14 +0000 1873man on 1892 Winchester 73 in 32 WCF First Rifle Purchase Please comment https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/1892-winchester-73-in-32-wcf-first-rifle-purchase-please-comment/#p186247 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/1892-winchester-73-in-32-wcf-first-rifle-purchase-please-comment/#p186247 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

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:11:56 +0000 Jim F in CT on 1892 Winchester 73 in 32 WCF First Rifle Purchase Please comment https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/1892-winchester-73-in-32-wcf-first-rifle-purchase-please-comment/#p186246 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/1892-winchester-73-in-32-wcf-first-rifle-purchase-please-comment/#p186246 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!

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 14:53:55 +0000 Bryan Austin on The Doc Pardee Club, still looking for.... https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/the-doc-pardee-club-still-looking-for/#p186245 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/the-doc-pardee-club-still-looking-for/#p186245 The contest website page has been updated, as well as added contest participants.

09-25-2026 - Griff from the Cast Boolits forum
10-20-2026 - Slug from over on the Canadian Gun Nutz forum
10-20-2026 - Texas By God from the Cast Boolits forum
10-25-2026 - Chill Wills from the Cast Boolets
11-03-2026 - Popoise from over on the Canadian Gun Nutz forum

https://sites.google.com/view/44winchester/doc-pardee-club

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 14:40:31 +0000 JWA on Removed serial number https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186244 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186244 Thanks for posting that Jeremy, I did not know Mark did a video on the process!  It is excellent as usual.

Best Regards,

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 14:33:49 +0000 Jeremy P on Removed serial number https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186243 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186243

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 14:17:11 +0000 JWA on Removed serial number https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186242 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186242 Hi and Welcome!

X-ray (aka RT) is typically not the correct method for detecting serial numbers. 

For serial number recovery there are two paths, the destructive path which are the more definitive methods and utilizes an acid etchant and requires polishing of the surface.  This method provides the best results. 

The other path is to utilize non-destructive test methods (NDT) such as Magneto-Optical or Magnetic Particle inspection using the wet fluorescent method (aka MT "Wet-Mag"). 

I am retired but all of my ASNT NDT Level III certifications are still current.  You are welcome to contact me directly if you have any technical questions or looking for a reputable lab near you.  I am familiar with large independent firearms testing labs in CA, NH, VA and PA.  For criminal work, the ATF and FBI have the best facilities for recovering serial numbers but they are very slow due to case backlogs.

Best Regards,

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 14:11:15 +0000 tionesta1 (AL) on 1892 Winchester 73 in 32 WCF First Rifle Purchase Please comment https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/1892-winchester-73-in-32-wcf-first-rifle-purchase-please-comment/#p186241 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/1892-winchester-73-in-32-wcf-first-rifle-purchase-please-comment/#p186241 Looks like a nice honest 73 to me. Congratulations.

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 13:59:22 +0000 Hightime on Removed serial number https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186240 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/removed-serial-number/#p186240 I bought a 1886 , 40-82 but the sn was buffed off. I guess it must have been stolen. The lower tang where the number was the same darker color as the rest of the metal, so old buffing. I bought it through a dealer that didn’t seem to think it was a big deal. Can x rays of any type of scan resurrect the number? If it does belong to someone years back that lost it to a thief, I would return it. If not I will enjoy the rifle. Good bore and forty rounds of smokeless.

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 13:50:09 +0000 Bert H. on 1892 Winchester 73 in 32 WCF First Rifle Purchase Please comment https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/1892-winchester-73-in-32-wcf-first-rifle-purchase-please-comment/#p186237 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/1892-winchester-73-in-32-wcf-first-rifle-purchase-please-comment/#p186237

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?

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 04:04:59 +0000 IndianCent on 1892 Winchester 73 in 32 WCF First Rifle Purchase Please comment https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/1892-winchester-73-in-32-wcf-first-rifle-purchase-please-comment/#p186235 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/1892-winchester-73-in-32-wcf-first-rifle-purchase-please-comment/#p186235

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. 

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 03:56:50 +0000 Bert H. on 1892 Winchester 73 in 32 WCF First Rifle Purchase Please comment https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/1892-winchester-73-in-32-wcf-first-rifle-purchase-please-comment/#p186231 Winchester Rifles https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/1892-winchester-73-in-32-wcf-first-rifle-purchase-please-comment/#p186231 I stopped attending the WAC shows at least 15-years ago... they got way too political for my taste.

Bert

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:20:50 +0000