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
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
Avatar
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 sp_QuotePost

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
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 12209
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
January 16, 2025 - 10:34 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

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
Wisconsin
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 4568
Member Since:
May 2, 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
January 16, 2025 - 10:51 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

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
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 12209
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
January 16, 2025 - 11:20 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

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
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 sp_QuotePost

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

Avatar
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 12209
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
January 17, 2025 - 1:08 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

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: 4623
Currently Online: THREEDFLYER, mrcvs, JWA, Manuel, TXGunNut, [email protected], Max
Guest(s) 155
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Top Posters:
clarence: 7119
TXGunNut: 5939
Chuck: 5361
steve004: 4880
1873man: 4568
Big Larry: 2477
twobit: 2418
mrcvs: 2057
TR: 1838
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 18
Topics: 14068
Posts: 124467

 

Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1978
Members: 9602
Moderators: 4
Admins: 3
Navigation