I have a Miroku Winchester 1873 with a serial number of 00004ZP73D
Is there any way to find out the manufacture date?
It looks like the serial number is 4 with model and traits mixed in there. It’s got a pistol grip and maybe that’s why the P is in there. I see 73 as in model 1873.
Is there any way to get more information out of the serial number, such as the manufacture date?
Yes, I know the Miroku Winchesters are not collectables so maybe I’m asking the wrong crowd.
DAVID NORMAN said
I have a Miroku Winchester 1873 with a serial number of 00004ZP73DIs there any way to find out the manufacture date?
It looks like the serial number is 4 with model and traits mixed in there. It’s got a pistol grip and maybe that’s why the P is in there. I see 73 as in model 1873.
Is there any way to get more information out of the serial number, such as the manufacture date?Yes, I know the Miroku Winchesters are not collectables so maybe I’m asking the wrong crowd.
Well, not all of us are “Anti-Miroku”.
Anyway – you can use the Browning alpha-numeric date code from the back of the “Blue Book of Gun Values” (Browning/Miroku Serialization).
So, based on your Serial # you have gun #4 – ZP means 2018 – Model 73 – D variation, although I don’t know how many variants there are.
I also collect Winchester/Miroku Model 92’s (because I like them ) and this method is correct.
Hope this helps you out.
Dave.
Admittedly, little horsepower in this historic Association & Forum. That said, I’d hope we’d welcome in the context above noted. “Assist as possible” concerning any “Winchester”, or “Browning” related product having some nexus to Winchester rifles! Newer generation, new blood and “of service”. Miroku to me as integral with the evolved Winchester name. Moreover, the ‘but for…’ of many Winchester products never to have reached market absent overseas production costs diminishment as “facilitating!”
I believe the predominant “Pre ’64 Winchester focus is neither diminished nor degraded to assist or affirmatively welcome for discussion folks with such wider Winchester interests.’
I like Miroku Winchesters work as reflected in my couple 1886 editions in 45/70. From ’92, a Browning Carbine. Great model at expense of bit over-buffed deep shiny blue achieving “bit gaudy”! Finish corrected in my about 2012 vintage Lightweight Rifle. Yet ‘net’, less enthusiastic purchase as “deal driven” despite pesky tang safety. As concerning tang sight mitigation, also doesn’t really ‘do it’ for me
Just one voice, ‘opinionated take’. 🙂
Best!
John
DAVID NORMAN said
Yes, I know the Miroku Winchesters are not collectables so maybe I’m asking the wrong crowd.
Good to see another Canadian here who appreciates the Winchester reproductions made by Miroku. I think the relevance to collectors, at least to me, is that I like to shoot and hunt with my vintage Winchesters. But if I am hunting where the rifle is likely going to take some significant abuse from the elements, a modern reproduction can step in. I use my Miroku/Browning Model 1886 SRC 45-70 if weather conditions are going to be bad or there might be risk of scuffing one of my old Winchesters. I bought it new when it first came out back in the early 1990’s and don’t ever plan to part with it, not only for its usefulness, but the quality, fit, and finish.
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