Picking Up an old 1873 tomorrow

[rbertalotto]

I'm buying an old 1873 Winchester tomorrow.
Ser # 155674A / 1884 manufacture date

It appears from pictures to be in relatively good shape. The asking price is $795.00

http://www.ktpguns.com/gun_files/173569_1.jpg

http://www.ktpguns.com/gun_files/173569_10.jpg

http://www.ktpguns.com/gun_files/173569_6.jpg

http://www.ktpguns.com/gun_files/173569_9.jpg

http://www.ktpguns.com/gun_files/173569_5.jpg

It is currently in caliber 38-40, but the rifling is totally gone. It seems like a candidate for relining.

I would imagine 44-40 would be the logical caliber? Would 45LC be practical?

Any advise would be appreciated.

[rollmyown]

Bargain, shame about the rifling. I'd stay with 38/40. 44/40 would be a close second choice.

[405]

Unless the photo color is off, sure seems an odd coloration of the receiver. Old, worn-off bluing or even old case color usually goes silver then gray then darker red/brown as the patina ages. Almost looks like old rust patina was at one time removed and maybe some parts replaced then left to re-rust.... giving the odd "newer" color. Just hard to tell and a total guess. No matter about that as the price is right if the internals work ok. When you get it take the side plates off and have a look see at the toggles and pins and check how well the block moves up and down with the lever and how tight the bolt is when the toggles lock it up. I'd stay with the original caliber if relining or leave it smooth bore, load shot cartridges and call it a "Wild West Show" gallery gun. :)

[TXGunNut]

Sure about the rifling? May be suprised after a bit of cleaning. Seems like a good price for a parts gun and this one looks much better than that. I'd rather have a 44WCF but this one may be better off in the original 38WCF. Nice find, looks like the start of an adventure.

[gmsharps]

I would shoot it first before deceiding to reline. I also picked up a 38-40 years ago and the barrel sure looked bad . I scrubbed it down and it cleaned up a bit and it shoots great. I got it at a parts gun price and have a shooter.

[missionary5155]

Good morning
Very nice ! That is a super price today.
I would keep it 38-40 also. One fine caliber to go popping groundhogs and coyotees with. 155- 180 grainers are great weights. Think caliber 357 mag and that is what a 38-40 is but with a nice wide flat face.
If there is any hint of rifling I would run some ammo through it. Have seen some very bad looking barrels shoot good enough to do a whole lot of shooting. Have one 44/40 here with my with interrupted rifling and pits but will hit vegetable cans at 35 yards. Size the boolit to the fatest the throat will take and fling them down range. Give it a try.
Mike in Peru

[ajjohns]

Wish I could find a deal like that. Wanted one in the exact caliber for a long time now. I'd try it out too, you never know how it may be? Cheaper to try it awhile that re-line it? Great find, awesome color!!!

[starmac]

I thought the site had rules to keep porn off of here, and that is porn .

I am no expert or collector, but from what I've seen you picked that up at a great price.

[rbertalotto]

I just hope when I see it in person tomorrow it is as nice as the pictures show it to be............Pray for Me!

[Hang Fire]

Unless the photo color is off, sure seems an odd coloration of the receiver. Old, worn-off bluing or even old case color usually goes silver then gray then darker red/brown as the patina ages. Almost looks like old rust patina was at one time removed and maybe some parts replaced then left to re-rust.... giving the odd "newer" color. Just hard to tell and a total guess. No matter about that as the price is right if the internals work ok. When you get it take the side plates off and have a look see at the toggles and pins and check how well the block moves up and down with the lever and how tight the bolt is when the toggles lock it up. I'd stay with the original caliber if relining or leave it smooth bore, load shot cartridges and call it a "Wild West Show" gallery gun. :)

You are right about the photo coloration. May have been just lighting or pic was altered with a warming trick like in Piasca.

The action on my JM Marlin Ballard Pacific (circa 1878) was oringinally case hardened, but over the years most all exposed metal evolved to this color.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y92/TANSTAAFL-2/P1010287.jpg

[JMtoolman]

If you need a new bore, I would find a good man to rerifle it to 44/40. No problems with any other parts, will feed just fine, and the head of the case is the same. 44/40's are a neat round, and good enough for deer. The toolman.

[hydraulic]

" 357 mag and that is what a 38-40 is "

The .38-40 is a 40 calibre (.401)

[KirkD]

Shoot it first. You might be surprised. I've shot a few '73's that had a bore like a corroded sewer pipe and could still give 4 or 5" five-shot groups at 100 yards with plain base cast bullets. A gas check tightens that up.

[The Ranger]

" 357 mag and that is what a 38-40 is "

The .38-40 is a 40 calibre (.401)

not sure but, i think he was talking ballistics not calibre, he did say "with a wider, flatter face" or somthing like that.

on second thought maybe you were right.

[bob208]

it should stay a .38-40that is the hardest cal. to find a 73 in. as far as the bore clean it first if some one shot it with factory lead bullets it is a good bet it is leaded up.
i once bought a nice 92 in .32-20 but they said it had no bore and did not shoot any good. i found out they were using factory ammo for a pistol . i cleaned out the lead and ended up with a great bore. it shoots just fine with cast.

[rbertalotto]

Well I drove two hours and bought the rifle............It is actually better in person than the pictures I was sent. I'm a VERY happy camper!

It appears someone blued the side plates, dustcover, magazine tube holder and possibly the lever some time ago. When a gun is 128 years old that leaves a lot of time for someone to mess with it. The barrel is a very nice rust brown and there is still a hint of case on the receiver. A couple very minor scratches but zero pits. The wood is in excellent shape. It has the Winchester shellac finish. If I didn't know any better I'd refinish it. I love the way it looks!

I took it completely apart and gave it a good cleaning. There is extreme low wear inside.

The bore it total toast. A real sewer pipe. Someone must have shot it little and put it away dirty.

I'm going to have it relined to 38-40 as that is what it is marked.

Now I need to find out everything I can on the 38-40 cartridge. I'll start another post looking for help.

High Def pictures tomorrow..........

So, I paid $795 and the Blue Book says a rifle in this serial number range in 50% condition is worth $3,250........If the bore was shootable I'd call this rifle 70-80%.........Nice!

[rbertalotto]

More pictures posted:

http://public.fotki.com/Rbertalotto/things-that-go-bang/1873-winchester/

[starmac]

Well looking at those pictures, has made me decide I should be at the outdoors show right now, instead of looking at the porn you have posted.

If it cost me more than the entry fee, it is totally your fault. lol

[rbertalotto]

Sorry....................:drinks:

[TXGunNut]

Very nice, Roy. Too bad about the bore, was hoping to find some decent rifling under a bit of fouling.

[starmac]

I lucked out, it only cost me 20 bucks, besides the 4 buck entry fee, so I won't really hold it against you. lol

[audiotronics]

Wish I could find a deal like that. Wanted one in the exact caliber for a long time now. I'd try it out too, you never know how it may be? Cheaper to try it awhile that re-line it? Great find, awesome color!!!

I second that would love to find a deal close to that