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May 3, 2023
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Hi guys!
I am once again seeking your advice on a vintage Winchester 1873. I just found one for sale with a 24″ octagonal barrel chambered in.32-20. The gun looks decent enough for the price being asked, but I am puzzled by an image showing this gun with a trapdoor for cleaning equipment. According to my copy of Arhur Pirkle´s book on the early Winchesters no .32 caliber gun was delivered with such a trapdoor.
What are you guy´s opinion on this? Could it be a replacement or perhaps a special order feature?
I have attached photos of the gun as posted on a sales forum by the current owner. Hope that helps for you who can help me in turn.
Thanks in advance for everyone chiming in on this!f
Fred,
Norway
May 2, 2009
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It could be a special order or it could be that just the butt plate was swapped. All the stocks were drilled with the cleaning rod hole. The for sure ways to tell is with a records check otherwise you could pull the stock and see if it has assemble numbers matching the lower tang to the wood and buttplate. I can see the wood has been refinished.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
December 9, 2002
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Morgan,
You’re getting the best advice first hand here as Bob is our Resident Model 1873 Expert, hands down!
Bob,
I can see what you’re saying about the wood being refinished, as the but stock at the wrist has really been over sanded. The wood to metal fit is very shy on the top and bottom tangs!
Tony
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