Winchester 1873 2nd Model 24 1/4" .44-40 WCF Lever Action Rifle Our Assessment: One of the most successful, and certainly one of the most famous Winchester rifles was the Winchester Model 1873, known as "The Gun that Won the West" for its predominant role in the hands of Western settlers. The Model 1873 had an iron and later a steel frame that was much stronger than the brass framed Model 1866, allowing Winchester to develop a family of powerful new cartridges, with Colt usually producing Single Action Army revolvers in the same calibers shortly after they were developed. The .44-40 Win. cartridge, also known as the .44 WCF, was introduced by Winchester in 1873 as Winchester's first metallic centerfire cartridge with a number of WCF cartridges to follow. Colt produced single action revolvers chambered for the Winchester cartridges as well, allowing users to have a rifle and handgun which shared the same ammunition.This example looks like it has had a long and useful life. The rifle shows wear consistent with its age, and having a decent bore. It deserves a spot in a collection of lever action rifles and frontier Americana. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 Rifle Second Model
Serial Number: 67287
Year of Manufacture: 1881
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44 Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 24.25"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-notch buckhorn sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with capped forend, straight wrist, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate with a sliding door over a storage compartment (there is nothing in the compartment). The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The toe is shy of the butt plate. There is some weathering in the buttstock at the wrist. The forend has a crack at the right-front. The LOP measures 12.75" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a light patina with scattered wear and minor surface erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as an ANTIQUE.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5 or 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains none of its metal finish. Most other surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. Some areas show aggressive cleaning. The metal shows scratches, scrapes, discoloration to patina and solid patches of erosion. There are tool marks at most screw heads as well as at the hammer-slot on the receiver. The action shows operational wear. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this rifle is in Good-plus condition as ANTIQUE.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. The dust cover slides on a rail which is screwed to the receiver. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGAL: ANTIQUE
RIFLE