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October 31, 2025
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I have an 1873 in 44-40, manufactured in 1886 that is missing the rear elevator. The rear sight blade has a screw in the upper right corner. I have not seen a picture of a rear sight with the screw in this position, most look to be centered on the right side. I am looking for information if this is original and what specific elevator would be correct for this rifle. Any information is appreciated.
July 3, 2020
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The sight sounds proper… you need a “black powder” elevator. It doesn’t have the wide serrated “thumb” end .
May 2, 2009
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This is the one that would be on the 73.
bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
October 31, 2025
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Thanks everyone! Can anyone expound on the topic? I see so many listed for the 1873. Why is this necessarily the correct sight. When did a change occur? I am not doubting the replies in any way, I would just like to learn as much as I can. Your comments are highly appreciated!
June 4, 2017
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Winchester made models for years, The 1873 was made from 1873 to about the 1920s. As they went thru production changes were made for improvements or even cost of production. Because the guns are collectable, collectors want the sight that is listed on the factory letter or what is appropriate for that time in production. They want their guns to look original.
The Winchester Catalogues from the time period of the gun will list and show pictures making them the primary source for the proper sights available when your gun was made. Since then books have been published on the subject. You learn by buying and reading books, most collectors have a small library. T/R
March 31, 2009
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In Jim Gordon’s book he shows 7 different standard rear rifle sights in order of the serial number range. So a correct sight is the one that fits your serial number range. There is no exact change over so it is not unusual to see an older sight on a slightly newer rifle. To be most correct you don’t want a newer sight on and older model. Then there are the special order sights and carbine sights. Same goes for the elevators.
May 2, 2009
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COL K said
I have an 1873 in 44-40, manufactured in 1886 that is missing the rear elevator. The rear sight blade has a screw in the upper right corner. I have not seen a picture of a rear sight with the screw in this position, most look to be centered on the right side. I am looking for information if this is original and what specific elevator would be correct for this rifle. Any information is appreciated.
You can send me a picture of it at my email below but you could have a flat top type which is a filed down standard sight.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
May 2, 2009
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John,
Here are the sight pictures. What you have is a later Marlin sight. They used a thinner elevator than Winchester. The later sights had the adjustable sliding insert which this one has been filed down some.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
October 31, 2025
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Thanks everyone! The overall condition of my gun is pretty good, however the stock has been replaced and the barrel relined. The previous owner shot it regularly. I guess i have to decide whether I should acquire a correct sight or not. I intend to shoot this also. Once again appreciate the information. I am new to this forum.
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