Original 3rd Model Winchester 1873

[hockeynick39]

As the title states, I have an original 3rd Model 1873 with a 20 inch barrel chambered in .44 WCF and made in 1885 by serial number. I have some dies, brass, and mold on order. Problem, the bore slugs at .462 caliber. Kind of at a loss here, any help or anyone that has had a similar problem. I have shot some factory .44-40 jacketed through it a few years ago and did notice that there wasn't much in the way of accuracy with it, but it was fun to shoot. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Outpost75]

If you are positive as to the bore neasurement, consider relining. This will give you a new bore and preserve the external finish, markings and patina.

[hockeynick39]

Thanks Outpost75, might just make it a wall hanger and get a newer rifle.

[Outpost75]

Thanks Outpost75, might just make it a wall hanger and get a newer rifle.

Relining is affordable and skillfully done gives a very satisfactory result. I've had John Taylor reline several rifles for me, and he hangs out on this forum. You might want to send him a PM.

[runfiverun]

462 is 45-70 territory.

check to see if it ain't a smoothbore.
they used to make a 44-40 chambered shot type round that had a wooden type bullet full of rat shot.

[hockeynick39]

runfiverun, you are correct, it is a smoothbore. I don't believe that it started out in life as such, but was re-purposed by a previous owner after it got terribly pitted from black powder usage (just my thoughts). I did notice a faint rifle land towards the muzzle and machining chatter marks about the rest of the bore, soooo................

Since I have some brass, dies, and mould enroute, time to shop for some new hardware:
rifle:
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/2084_2108/products_id/5290/WGUN+534228140+M1873+44-40+CCH+OB

pistol:
http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/products/revolvers/single-actions/model-p-1873-1896/model-p-1/model-p-5-1-2-44-wcf.html

Need to find a good tang peep for it. Thought I found a Marble's, but it says it's for the Miroku version and will have to check the rifle out to see if it is indeed made in Japan or not.

[HeavyMetal]

If the rest of the rifle is in decent shape I'd reline it in a heart beat!!

Condition is the main factor of course and you'll have to make the final decision here.

[runfiverun]

I think I would re-line it too.

after I went through all the trouble of making some shot shells and playing around shooting grass hoppers and bees and stuff for a while.

[Babbott213]

My Mid 1st-2nd generation 1873 slugged .434". Factory rounds sounded like a blow of air exiting the barrel rather than a crack and accuracy was all over. I've shot .433" bullets loaded tight TrailBoss that done well and now I have loaded .430" soft lead Boolits backed by 30.5 grains of Goex FFg BP that did well also. They say with softer lead Boolits and BP will expand the Boolits to seal to the lands. But since yours is smooth, I'd go ahead and have it relined. Thought about it on mine, but right now it has some accuracy. Next will be from a bench and a chronograph.


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[Wayne Smith]

Look at it this way, since it's a smooth bore, half of the lining job is done anyway!

[Speedo66]

You 're looking at about $400 to reline it, definitely a lot less than a new gun. Plus, you get to keep that authentic patina.

[missionary5155]

Good morning
That is a huge hole to have to deal with ! Largest we have measured is in that .435-.436 diameter. That barrel is badly pitted especially at the chamber. At the muzzle it is .432. Could you please slug it again. Then measure it with a micrometer carefully.

Is there rifling in that barrel ? Some 73's were purpose bored for "shows" as tossed glass ball busters.
If you have a 45 Colt brass see if that will chamber with light finger pressure.
Mike in Peru

[hockeynick39]

Good morning
That is a huge hole to have to deal with ! Largest we have measured is in that .435-.436 diameter. That barrel is badly pitted especially at the chamber. At the muzzle it is .432. Could you please slug it again. Then measure it with a micrometer carefully.

Is there rifling in that barrel ? Some 73's were purpose bored for "shows" as tossed glass ball busters.
If you have a 45 Colt brass see if that will chamber with light finger pressure.
Mike in Peru

No, no rifling to speak of. Been researching the re-lining process and that looks like the route I will take.

[Speedo66]

Try here for barrel lining: www.johntaylormachine.com

[aarolar]

Sooo how have we gotten 14 posts into this and still no pictures of said gun?[emoji6]

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[hockeynick39]

Here are the pictures:

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y338/hockeynick39/DSC_1505_zpsv1hwlvtc.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y338/hockeynick39/DSC_1504_zps7enrfhsr.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y338/hockeynick39/DSC_1503_zpsa7ivd9hq.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y338/hockeynick39/DSC_1502_zpsveha7mj4.jpg

[Speedo66]

Like that dark red Winchester stain color.

[aarolar]

Beautiful gun I hope one day I can afford some history like that.

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