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January 8, 2023
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Howdy folks! First post here, sure do appreciate the knowledge and passion of all of you. I am not a serious collector, as I’m financially unable at this point in my young life, but I am a Winchester fanatic anyways, with a preference for the black powder era leverguns. I do have some technical questions about details at times, and since I don’t have any of the good books y’all do yet, I’d love to pick your brains a little. For starters, I’ve been looking at photos of original 1873s with sling swivels, as well as reading what info I can find online- but I’m still left with many questions. I see two basic setups: Sling loops attached directly to the rifle via bases in the buttstock and nosecap, as on this rifle:
And then there’s the famous “fish-hook” style swivels, used in conjunction with “eyes” set into the buttstock and forend, as on this example:
https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/72/2013/engraved-winchester-model-1873-lever-action-rifle
So, the question is, which setup is more appropriate/common on early 3rd models (pre-1885)? I realize that we’re talking about an option that was pretty rare regardless, just wondering which would be more common.
Now, on to the buttplate: Should an early 3rd model (pre-1885) large-bore ’73 most definitely have the cleaning rod trap in the buttplate?
Thanks in advance for your time, gentlemen.
May 2, 2009
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Jordan,
The most common one I see on 73’s is the sling swivels like the earlier example you posted. Any 44 or 38 caliber 73 should have a cleaning rod access in the butt plate unless special ordered to not have it. 32 and 22 caliber did not have them unless special ordered.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
January 8, 2023
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1873man said
Jordan,The most common one I see on 73’s is the sling swivels like the earlier example you posted. Any 44 or 38 caliber 73 should have a cleaning rod access in the butt plate unless special ordered to not have it. 32 and 22 caliber did not have them unless special ordered.
Bob
Many thanks Bob! Now I just need some closeup photos of that front swivel and how it attaches to the nosecap. Is there anyone out there making appropriate slings, or does anyone know of some good photos of one that I could reproduce it from?
May 2, 2009
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I have a drawing of it I will post later.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
May 2, 2009
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Jordan,
Here are some pictures of the swivel install and a pdf of the swivel. you will have to adjust any dimensions for the diameter and thickness of the hole.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
January 8, 2023
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1873man said
Jordan,Here are some pictures of the swivel install and a pdf of the swivel. you will have to adjust any dimensions for the diameter and thickness of the hole.
Bob
Thank you SO much Bob! Perfect! Though I only see the photos- no PDF. Was it a drawing? Also, do you have any information on what sling would have been used? The one on that one RIAC rifle in my OP looks similar to the ones I’ve seen y’all talk about- is that double roller buckle style what I should be going for? I’d like to get this sling right.
May 2, 2009
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Jordan,
The PDF is there, you have to click on the file name. As to a strap, I’ve never collected leather since a original sling would be fairly rotten by now so I figure most of the stuff sold is modern copies. If you had a original you wouldn’t want to put it on the gun and break it. Cleaning rods is another one I don’t care to buy since there is plenty of perfect copies made in recent history. As long as the gun has the swivels I’m happy.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
January 8, 2023
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Bob, I see your screenshot showing the file- but it doesn’t show up either on my PC or phone- weird! I’ll shoot you an email if you don’t mind sending it over that way. Many thanks again!
March 31, 2009
Online
You have to click on the original post and it will open.
May 2, 2009
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Just click on the file name below.
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
January 8, 2023
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Bob, I have no idea why, but it is still completely invisible to me. Dang computers. Sent you an email.
March 31, 2009
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Bob, do you have to have Adobe Acrobat Reader to open this? If so, it is a free download. You have to buy the one that let’s you edit etc.
May 2, 2009
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Chuck,
I use PDFsam 5 to open and edit pdf’s which is a paid program. You should be able to open a PDF with a browser.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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