Winchester 1873 2nd Model SRC .44-40 WCF Lever Rifle, MFD 1879-1881 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2825
LSB#: 220105JM008
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 Rifle Second Model SRC
Serial Number: The serial marking on the lower tang has faded significantly. The visible remaining numbers are 5644.
Year of Manufacture: Based on the features on this gun congruent with the second model, this manufactured between 1879-1881.
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44 Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The markings on the top of the barrel have almost entirely faded away and only “NEW HAVEN, CT.” can be made out. “5644” can be made out on the lower tang. All other common markings have faded completely.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a rectangular base that is fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up leaf sight. The sight is a V-notch in the down position. When flipped up, there is an aperture with a V-notch cut in the bottom. There is also a V-notch at the top of the sight. The sights graduate from 100 to 300 to 500 yards respectively.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip and comb, and crescent buttplate with a sliding door in front of a storage compartment in the butt that contains a three-piece cleaning rod. The stocks have light nicks, dings, and scratches scattered throughout, more in the buttstock than the forend. The buttstock has a crack on the left side extending from the upper tang down to the middle. There is some dark discoloration along the rear edges of the buttstock. The LOP measures 13? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has a mottled patina with light wear and scattered solid erosion. Overall, the stocks are in about Good-Plus condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with scattered erosion and pitting throughout. The rifling is defined where not interrupted by erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its current metal finish. There are two matching spots of finish loss on the right side of the barrel and mag tube. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are several scattered light nicks, scratches and scrapes, most notably on the side plates of the receiver. There are infrequent spots of minor surface erosion. The lifter shows a mustard patina with the crystalline appearance of old brass. There is light surface oxidation throughout. The action shows light-moderate operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots, there are light tool marks around most screw heads. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-Plus condition as Antique and refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. There is a lever lock on the lower tang, and a dust cover on the receiver that slides on a screw set rail, typical of the Second Models. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
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 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. The rifle is in about Very Good-Plus overall condition, appearing to have had a very useful life. The bore is still fairly respectable, though it shows the expected erosion of use with black powder over the last century and the rifle is in quite good mechanical condition. It deserves a spot in a collection of lever action rifles next to its 1866, 1876, 1886, 1892 and 1894 cousins. Please see our photos and good luck!