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December 5, 2020
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Just got my letter back on my 1873. The good news is that the set trigger is factory. The bad news is that is was originally 44 and is now 32 WCF. Is it possible this was rebarreled by the factory or should I assume it was done privately since it isn’t on the letter?
I also found it interesting that it was in the warehouse for 4 years after the serial number was applied. Is that normal? Thanks for any info.
April 15, 2005
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In your place, I would contact the CFM records office and ask them to double check the ledger record for your serial number. All visual indications point towards it being an original 32 WCF rifle. I suspect a mistake was made listing it as a 44 WCF. Bob (1873man) most likely can add some useful information.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
May 21, 2015
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Hi, I would suspect that the bottom tang, with the set trigger, is the only original part. The rest of the rifle was added later. Eric
May 2, 2009
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If you can post some good clear pictures of the lower tang and how it fits into the receiver and several of the receiver. What is the serial number? You can’t post directly to the forum, you need to host the pictures on another site and link to them or email them to me at the below address.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
March 31, 2009
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Bert H. said
All visual indications point towards it being an original 32 WCF rifle.
Bert
Bert, are there pictures somewhere? Like Bob, I’d like to see a picture of the receiver.
December 5, 2020
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Are the pictures not showing up? They’re showing up on my end. I’ll email them directly to you Bob.
April 15, 2005
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Chuck said
Bert H. said
All visual indications point towards it being an original 32 WCF rifle.
BertBert, are there pictures somewhere? Like Bob, I’d like to see a picture of the receiver.
Chuck,
The OP included (5) pictures with his opening post… are you not seeing them? The receiver frame is the step-down type used on the smaller caliber Model 1873s, and the lower tang appears to fit up to the receiver frame correctly.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 15, 2005
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RealBigChin said
Are the pictures not showing up? They’re showing up on my end. I’ll email them directly to you Bob.
They show for me just fine, but it could be be I am the Forum Administrator.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
May 2, 2009
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Here are the pictures. As far as I can tell the lower tang fits and matches the receiver given the condition of the gun. I would have Cody do a double check of the records.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
March 31, 2009
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Bert H. said
Chuck said
Bert H. said
All visual indications point towards it being an original 32 WCF rifle.
BertBert, are there pictures somewhere? Like Bob, I’d like to see a picture of the receiver.
Chuck,
The OP included (5) pictures with his opening post… are you not seeing them? The receiver frame is the step-down type used on the smaller caliber Model 1873s, and the lower tang appears to fit up to the receiver frame correctly.
They are now after Bob posted them. This receiver was not meant for a 44 cal.
December 5, 2020
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Does it make a difference that there is a B at the end of the serial number and no B on my letter?
March 31, 2009
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RealBigChin said
Does it make a difference that there is a B at the end of the serial number and no B on my letter?
No, what we are looking at is the step down at the muzzle end of the receiver. This was done on the smaller caliber guns. Not on a 44.
December 5, 2020
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So if I understand correctly, the only 2 possible explanations are that they made a mistake on the letter, or the lower tang is not original and was taken from another gun and placed on this one?
May 2, 2009
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Three possibilities, It can also be the ledger entry for the gun is wrong.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 2, 2009
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Stepped receivers were used on some late model 73’s in .44 caliber. These are most often very high serial numbers. It could be done, but there would be a lot of work involved in changing a small caliber reciever to a large caliber or large to small. My guess is the letter is wrong.
May 2, 2009
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Here is a picture showing the three different receivers. Left to right, 44, 38/22 and 32.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 19, 2006
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win4575 said
Stepped receivers were used on some late model 73’s in .44 caliber. These are most often very high serial numbers. It could be done, but there would be a lot of work involved in changing a small caliber reciever to a large caliber or large to small. My guess is the letter is wrong.
The stepped receivers that were used on 73’s in .44 caliber – did Winchester simply use some .38-40 receivers they had on hand? Did they have to rework any aspect of them? Or, is this is a fourth style receiver?
May 2, 2009
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It is the 38 frame style they used with the short barreled 44 rifles and 44 carbines and then at the end in the parts cleanup.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
