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I got the gun this past Saturday at a gun show and never thought to measure the barrel until I got home. I was quite shocked to see the tape measure read 27″ long. I initially thought it was cut down, but after looking it over more closely and comparing it to my other 1873’s, it seemed correct. I instantly summitted the serial number to Cody to have them do a search, and was more than pleased to see that this rifle matches the letter exactly. Even the sights listed are what is present on the gun.
I know longer than normal barrels are hard to find, but an odd length barrel has to be pretty rare. The fact that this gun was ordered without a trapdoor in the stock makes it unusual as well. On top of both of those features, this gun is also a deluxe with xx walnut (indicated on the tang) and the condition is better than most.
I am more than happy to say the least and still don’t quite believe what I got. I do have a few questions for the experts out here.
First question: Are there any numbers indicating how many 1873s were made with odd length barrels?
Second question: I never thought of it as an option, but the trapdoor was specifically not ordered for this gun. Is that something anyone has seen before?
Third question: Given the uniqueness of the rifle, I feel like someone with some “Class” would of had to order it. Is there any way to find out who this gun might have belonged to? The seller did not know much about the history and claims it was found in a deceased relatives attic.
Fourth question: While I certainly do not plan on selling this rifle anytime soon, what would an estimate be on its value? I have been told 8-10k and that’s close to what I feel it is worth, but were would you find another one? How do you put a value on something that is possibly “One of a kind”?
-To pew or not to pew? That is the question-
For sure a rare gem, I am not the ’73 expert here, and I’m sure You’ll hear from them, but I have never seen another ’73 with a 27″ bbl. The “no rod in butt” Ibelieve is not that uncommon. Nice find, congratulations.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
Dalton,
The gun is almost one of a kind but I have one other in my survey which is a first model that letters with a 27″ Remington twist barrel, no stock, no sights and barrel browned. Odd lengths are very rare until you get to the trappers.
Guns have been ordered without trap doors along with 32 calibers ordered with trap doors.
As to history of the gun, that would have to pasted down from previous owners. Cody will not have any information like that. Now I might still have your gun in my survey if it was reported as the wrong barrel length. If you get me the serial number I will check.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Definitely a rare gun. I think the 8-10k might be light. 10-12k may be a possibility. Overall nice gun without the rare length. No rod in the but is not that uncommon. Scarce but not rare.
caveman3094 said
I got the gun this past Saturday at a gun show and never thought to measure the barrel until I got home. I was quite shocked to see the tape measure read 27″ long. I initially thought it was cut down, but after looking it over more closely and comparing it to my other 1873’s, it seemed correct. I instantly summitted the serial number to Cody to have them do a search, and was more than pleased to see that this rifle matches the letter exactly. Even the sights listed are what is present on the gun.I know longer than normal barrels are hard to find, but an odd length barrel has to be pretty rare. The fact that this gun was ordered without a trapdoor in the stock makes it unusual as well. On top of both of those features, this gun is also a deluxe with xx walnut (indicated on the tang) and the condition is better than most.
I am more than happy to say the least and still don’t quite believe what I got. I do have a few questions for the experts out here.
First question: Are there any numbers indicating how many 1873s were made with odd length barrels?
Second question: I never thought of it as an option, but the trapdoor was specifically not ordered for this gun. Is that something anyone has seen before?
Third question: Given the uniqueness of the rifle, I feel like someone with some “Class” would of had to order it. Is there any way to find out who this gun might have belonged to? The seller did not know much about the history and claims it was found in a deceased relatives attic.
Fourth question: While I certainly do not plan on selling this rifle anytime soon, what would an estimate be on its value? I have been told 8-10k and that’s close to what I feel it is worth, but were would you find another one? How do you put a value on something that is possibly “One of a kind”?
What a cool story! It seems the guy standing behind the table had no idea what he had!
steve004 said
What a cool story! It seems the guy standing behind the table had no idea what he had!
It was actually someone walking around that had it. I have no idea how the guy didn’t get mauled by the dealers there when he came in. He somehow managed to last about 10minutes until I bumped into him. To say I was in the right place at the right time would be an understatement here haha.
-To pew or not to pew? That is the question-
tsillik said
you know everbody is wondering what you gave for it? terry
I’m afraid to say for fear of being called a lier haha. I happily gave him what he wanted for it though. Looking back on our conversation, I think he thought it was cut down. He kept saying it was 26″ and his sign said 28″… so he knew something was up.
-To pew or not to pew? That is the question-
caveman3094 said
I’m afraid to say for fear of being called a lier haha. I happily gave him what he wanted for it though. Looking back on our conversation, I think he thought it was cut down. He kept saying it was 26″ and his sign said 28″… so he knew something was up.
Nice find. Right place at the right time. Congrats!!
Rick C
caveman3094 said
I’m afraid to say for fear of being called a lier haha. I happily gave him what he wanted for it though. Looking back on our conversation, I think he thought it was cut down. He kept saying it was 26″ and his sign said 28″… so he knew something was up.
Oh, this is sweet! I’ll bet he had measured it and knew it was 27 inches! But, had no idea that was the original length – so he thought he was pulling something over on you. As I think of it, other dealers may may have looked at and put a tape measure on it. I can see them smugly nodding to each other, “it’s been cut.” Maybe some of them saw you walk by with the rifle in your hands and whispered to each other, “there’s that sap who bought that cut down ’73.” Good for you!
steve004 said
Oh, this is sweet! I’ll bet he had measured it and knew it was 27 inches! But, had no idea that was the original length – so he thought he was pulling something over on you. As I think of it, other dealers may may have looked at and put a tape measure on it. I can see them smugly nodding to each other, “it’s been cut.” Maybe some of them saw you walk by with the rifle in your hands and whispered to each other, “there’s that sap who bought that cut down ’73.” Good for you!
Thankyou! He definitely did not get one over on me. For the price he was asking, anyone in their right mind would have bought it. Im the lucky owner now for the foreseeable future!
-To pew or not to pew? That is the question-
If the dealer measured from the top where the barrel meets the receiver instead of the chamber opening it would have been about 26.25″ so he may not have known better but most people would letter a 26″ since they are scarce compared to 24″, 28″ or 30″ guns.
January 26, 2011
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This was really an exceptional purchase, and I think all of us could only wish for something like this to happen. I’m so glad it found its way into a collectors hands. That’s a keeper!
~Gary~
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