The mod. ’94 I have in 38-55 with a 28′ extra heavy oct. bbl. would be high up on the list of most unbalanced lever guns out there. It also documented one of a kind, and I understand why.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
Henry Mero said
The mod. ’94 I have in 38-55 with a 28′ extra heavy oct. bbl. would be high up on the list of most unbalanced lever guns out there. It also documented one of a kind, and I understand why.
Henry – I’m sure it would be very high on the list as well. Bob’s rifle is so very high up because of that small .22 caliber hole in the barrel. Yours would make it even further up the list if it was a .25-35 vs. a .38-55.
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 7, 2015

steve004 said
Henry – I’m sure it would be very high on the list as well. Bob’s rifle is so very high up because of that small .22 caliber hole in the barrel. Yours would make it even further up the list if it was a .25-35 vs. a .38-55.
Hmmmm….how would an 85 in 32-40 with a 32” #4 barrel rank as front-heavy? When I carry it in a soft case I don’t know whether to move the handles forward or put wheels on the muzzle end.
Mike
TXGunNut said
Hmmmm….how would an 85 in 32-40 with a 32” #4 barrel rank as front-heavy? When I carry it in a soft case I don’t know whether to move the handles forward or put wheels on the muzzle end.
Mike
Wimp… Try lugging around high-wall with a 36-inch No. 5 barrel!! Serial number 105585 is a high-wall Special Sporting Rifle chambered for the 32-40 cartridge, and it is not the “biggest” or heaviest high-wall I have seen. Many years ago I also had my hands on serial number 81524… a Schuetzen Rifle with a 30-inch No. 6 octagon barrel (one of just two model 1885 rifles made with a no. 6 barrel), 32-40 chamber. It weighed in at nearly 19 lbs. The barrel diameter at the muzzle was a whopping 1.25 inches!!!
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
steve004 said
It really gets my blood flowing to hear about these monstrously heavy barreled rifles. I wonder if the 19 pounder Bert describes takes the prize as the heaviest vintage Winchester made?
Steve,
I have never seen or heard of one that is heavier.
There were at least 3-dozen Model 1885 rifles manufactured with a 36-inch barrel No. 4 or 5 size barrel. The heaviest rifle would be S/N 100619. It is a 2nd variation Schuetzen Rifle, 25-20 S.S. caliber, with a 36-inch No. 5 octagon barrel. It was shipped with a Mid Range Vernier tang sight, Wind Gauge globe front sight, and no rear sight seat. Due to its small chamber & bore size, that rifle has to be extremely heavy!
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
steve004 said
Bob –Two very special rifles. Thanks for posting the pictures. I mostly recall the story about how you unexpectedly ran across and acquired the .22.
Yes! No doubt! I can see why you don’t get tired of the .22, Steve. I have to tell you, though, I could not get tired of the .44 either!!!
James
jwm94 said
steve004 said
Bob –Two very special rifles. Thanks for posting the pictures. I mostly recall the story about how you unexpectedly ran across and acquired the .22.
Yes! No doubt! I can see why you don’t get tired of the .22, Steve. I have to tell you, though, I could not get tired of the .44 either!!!
James
James – trust me, that heavy barreled .44 is my kind of rifle! I surely would not tire of it. It’s just the .22 is so… well, freakish (in a very good way).
This thread started out talking about extra long ’73’s well here’a few, and they are available Ser#560958 does not mention the 32″ bbl. and I’m not sure what M.W.and C (in stock column) means. All 3 are in nice cond. and are available@$5500.00U.S. each. I know I need to get better pictures and when it quits snowing here I’ll get out and do that
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Yes I looked at that photo and they look the same length to Me also. It was snowing here that day and took the photos in My gun room . Relatively poor lighting and My technical deficiency show up really well though. I have a few to many ’73’s now. I’m hoping to trade a couple off for a Russian mod. ’95 musket or an ’86 musket.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
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