Winchester 1873 20" .44-40 WCF Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine
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 fairly 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 Carbine
Serial Number: 375298
Year of Manufacture: 1891
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44 Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 20"The front sight is a metal blade atop a small base. The rear sight is an after-market small blade "U" notch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with barrel band, straight wrist, straight comb, side mounted saddle ring and metal butt plate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The toe and heel are shy of the butt plate. The forend has a crack at the left front, and two chips missing from the right forend. A small crack is present on the left front of the butt stock. The LOP measures 14" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The butt plate screws show very proud of the plate. The plate has gone to a light patina with scattered wear and minor surface erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as an ANTIQUE.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark gray with shallow rifling. There is erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 4 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains none of its metal finish. Most other surfaces have worn to white or gone to patina. The metal shows scratches, scrapes, discoloration to patina and small speckled 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 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