Well, I have to say I always wanted an 1873. I while ago I purchased a Uberti when was fun but not the real thing. Last week I found the Cinnabar channel. After watching a few videos and having answered a few questions I went on Gunbroker and purchased one. Before I even got it, I sent in for a letter from the Winchester Museum. I hope the letter comes faster than one month. The rifle is in excellent shape. No cracks in the wood, retains most of the finish, bore is excellent, and most of the screw heads are pretty good. The only thing she has is better sights. The front might be beach sight, and the rear is a graduated peep sight. Weird since the rifle is a 32 long known for long range. I’m rookie to Winchesters so any advice would be great. I loaded up some 100gr heads with 7.0 grains of LIL Gun. I hope to get out tomorrow after a good inspection and cleaning.
Retired NYPD Detective, Firearms Examiner, Production Evaluations, Cerakote and Duracoat finishes, NRA Life member
Brian,
Looks like a nice 73. Yes is unusual for a 32 to have a graduated peep but not unheard of. I have several in my survey that letter with it but they tend to have extra features. Letters from Cody are normally a month. Whats the serial number? I might have it already and if not I can add it to the survey.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Brian,
Had it in my survey. I see it has a 26″ barrel. Let me know when you get the letter so I can update my survey.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 7, 2015

Nicely done, Brian! I’m very fond of that cartridge and I really like that sight. It probably needs plenty of elevation available for shooting 200 yards or better, I generally plink away at 50. As you may know the 32WCF can be assembled nearly as cheaply as top shelf 22 target ammo if you don’t mind firing up a casting furnace. I cast a 314008 NOE clone of the classic Lyman bullet. Your load sounds interesting, if I ever run out of 231 I’ll be wanting to try a pound or two of Lil’ Gun.
Mike
I lucked out finding all the reloading components I needed. I didn’t really have the correct powders. I looked on FB and found Lil Gun close by. I haven’t purchased powder in years. I have a good stockpile but nothing for this application. I hope the 100 gr heads are decent. Maybe I’ll slug the bore just to see.
Retired NYPD Detective, Firearms Examiner, Production Evaluations, Cerakote and Duracoat finishes, NRA Life member
Nice gun Brian; If You don’t want to wait a month for the letter, You can get the factory search information , usually in a day or two, with the same info . I believe there is a small fee for this service. The folks over at the records office are very accomadating and a pleasure to deal with. Here’s a pic of My 32-20
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]
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