Winchester 1873

This beautiful, solid rifle has a 24inch octagonal barrel; full magazine; case hardened frame with the appropriate dust cover with serrated rear edges. It features beautiful grain uncheckered walnut stocks and crescent buttplate. It features a fixed front sight and adjustable flat sporting rear sight. The barrel shows uniform patina throughout. All metal is smooth with a grey patina. The barrel lettering and the serial number are easily legible. The stock and forearm are walnut in a dark red color with an excellent patina. This rifle was manufactured in 1892.

There are a number of interesting factors specific to this Winchester. At least 100 years ago, based upon expert forensic examination of this Winchester, the owner of this rifle shortened the barrel by approximately 2 inches. The cartridge tube was also shortened. This increases the range of the shots. The front sight was modified to a large "U" that is known to be a much quicker target acquisition than the standard Winchester sight. The lever action trigger guard end was machined short so as never to catch on the safety latch and impede the cocking of the firearm or take time away from making the shot.

Experts in the field are in agreement that this '73 was 'improved' many, many years ago with changes that increase the speed of target acquisition, remove the safety interference and give more power and a longer range to the shooter. These attributes take the Winchester from the best sporting rifle of it's time and turn it into a weapon best suited to conflict and self defense, such as was the need on the range in the West at and around the time of its manufacture.

The Winchester 1873 was one of the most successful, and certainly one of the most famous Winchester rifles. Originally chambered for the .44-40 cartridge, it was later produced in .38-40 and .32-20, all of which were also popular handgun cartridges of the day. The popularity of the Winchester in .44-40 led Colt to manufacture a version of the Single Action Army revolver chambered for the same round; Winchester produced three variations of the Model 1873.

The rifle used a 24" barrel while the carbine used a 20" barrel. Winchester produced over 720,000 carbines, making them hugely popular and readily available on the frontier. The Sportsman's Model Rifle was produced in fewer quantities, making the first models of the rifle extremely collectible items. This popularity has led the Model 1873 to be credited as "The Gun that Won the West". The legend inspired the 1950 Western film Winchester '73 starring Jimmy Stewart. We have an original, signed photograph of Mr. Stewart (shown at left) available, let us know if you would like to purchase the memorabilia collection as well. - James Stewart Memorabilia Collection.

Derived directly from the model 1866, the '73 increased Winchester's fortune, making it the most important American company in repeating arms.

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