Hello,
I have an 1873 Carbine with a 18” barrel, s/n applied for in 1894. Are all 1873 Carbines with 20” or less barrels considered a Trapper version?
The Cody Firearms Museum letter indicates the type as a Carbine and caliber but no mention of the barrel length or Trapper version.
With Winchesters record documentation issues back then is this typical of the Carbine Cody letters not to state barrel length or version?
I have another 1873 Carbine/1890mfg. with a 20” barrel length, the Cody letter indicates that it is a Carbine type but also does not
indicate the barrel length or version.
I was not sure if this was common with the documentation.
Thanks,
Phil
Phil,
In the records if the caliber or barrel length is not listed it is considered a standard configuration for the model. A Carbine that does not list the length is a standard 20″ carbine. A carbine has to be shorter than standard to be considered a trapper. I’m doing a survey on the 73’s. What is the serial number?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Phil,
Anything that is not standard would of been listed so a 18″ carbine would of listed the barrel length.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Bob,
I am actually in the process of returning the firearm back to the seller for refund. The seller indicated in their description and confirmed with me via email that there were no cracks or issues with the buttstock or forearm. Once I received the firearm for review I did not initially see any cracks however after closer review I could see two cracks and glue lines through the trap door and after an even closer examination very fine hair line cracks on the outside. The wood repair looks to have been professionally done so now I am suspecting that the barrel length was shorten as well.
Thanks for all your help and good luck with your survey research.
You guys are great!
Phil

Phil – I’m currently dealing with a seller on a 73 who will not answer my email or texts for two weeks due to issues with gun. When selling he was quick to reply within mins. Hopefully this seller will honour your request. Give him the benefit of doubt & maybe didn’t know?
I never sell anything with undisclosed issues. It only takes once to ruin any trust or integrity as a seller & it’s a small world. I’ve been lucky to find a couple sellers like Henry Mero who will take the gun back within a reasonable amount of time if you’re not satisfied or find any issues. He & others are few & far between.
RickC
Thanks Rick for the compliment, that’s just common courtesy, although a few years back I sold a gun to another member and it turned out to be “not Right” , it took a while and We eventually worked it out amicably. I really regretted selling that gun having not verifying the configuration and it slipped by Me. I usually buy collections and once in a while there’ll be a modified piece or two like this 20″ mod. ’64
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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