Avatar
Search
Forum Scope




Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon
Winchester Model 1873 22 WCF
Avatar
Wolfman
New Member
WACA Guest
Forum Posts: 2
Member Since:
January 16, 2025
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
January 16, 2025 - 9:47 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

I now own a Model 1873 22 WCF in “good” condition whose serial number suggests a manufacturing date of 1881. I’m interested in obtaining an estimated value and also a source for 22 Winchester Center Fire ammunition or casings for reloading? 

Happy to join this forum and looking forward to conversing with you all about our favorite subjects and possessions.

Avatar
Bert H.
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 13099
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOnlineSmall Online
2
January 16, 2025 - 10:34 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory

Hmmm… several issues here.

First, the Model 1873 was not ever factory chambered for the 22 W.C.F. cartridge.

Second, Winchester first introduced the 22 W.C.F. cartridge early in the year 1886 for the Single Shot rifle.

Can you provide clear detailed pictures of your Model 1873 rifle?

Bert

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
High-walls-1-002-C-reduced2.jpg

Avatar
1873man
Wisconsin
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 4716
Member Since:
May 2, 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
January 16, 2025 - 10:51 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Pictures of the barrel markings and the bolt face will tell the story.

Bob

WACA Life Member---
NRA Life Member----
Cody Firearms member since 1991
Researching the Winchester 1873's

73_86cutaway.jpg

Email: [email protected]

Avatar
Bert H.
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 13099
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOnlineSmall Online
4
January 16, 2025 - 11:20 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

1873man said
Pictures of the barrel markings and the bolt face will tell the story.

Bob

  

I suspect that it is actually a 32 WCF, but the pictures will reveal true story.

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
High-walls-1-002-C-reduced2.jpg

Avatar
joe45c
Peru, NY
Member
WACA Guest
Forum Posts: 78
Member Since:
January 17, 2018
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
January 17, 2025 - 12:25 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Wolfman your pic is of a 1885 not 1873. that’s maybe where the confusing is.

Avatar
Bert H.
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 13099
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOnlineSmall Online
7
January 17, 2025 - 1:08 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Wolfman said
New to this forum and having issues posting photos directly, but here’s a link to Google Photos. The rifle looks similar to the middle one posted above. But the barrel marking is definitely 22 WCF https://photos.app.goo.gl/6TGf3TC16eb5kMSP6

  

Your Winchester is not a Model 1873 (lever-action repeating rifle).  Instead, it is a Winchester Single Shot rifle (a.k.a. M-1885).  More specifically, it is a Special Sporting Rifle (low-wall).

The 22 WCF cartridge was the black powder predecessor to the 22 Hornet.  You can easily convert 22 Hornet cases to 22 WCF by fireforming them or expanding the necks by .004″ in a correct sizing die.

Bert

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
High-walls-1-002-C-reduced2.jpg

Forum Timezone: UTC 0
Most Users Ever Online: 4920
Currently Online: Bert H., Christian Hughes, M64lvr, MMC818
Guest(s) 541
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Top Posters:
clarence: 7119
TXGunNut: 6567
Chuck: 5942
steve004: 5237
1873man: 4716
deerhunter: 2717
Big Larry: 2567
twobit: 2513
mrcvs: 2216
Maverick: 2043
Newest Members:
tourman40
rifleman
Surfertim
6564yankees
Fox Creek
kellswater
Gary
Harper 1886
Plmggod
Doncarp
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 18
Topics: 14883
Posts: 133407

 

Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 2057
Members: 10111
Moderators: 3
Admins: 4
Administrators: Mike Hager, Bert H., JWA, SethJ
Moderators: Rob Kassab, Brad Dunbar, Heather
Navigation