Winchester Miroku Model 1873 .44-40 Win. 24” Octagonal Lever Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,315.00
LSB#: LSB251104SK007
Make: Winchester, made in Japan by Miroku
Model: 1873 Lever Action Rifle
Serial Number: 00133ZW73L
Year of Manufacture: 2014 / Modern (ZW Date code)
Caliber: .44-40 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER ®”, “Model 1873 – – Caliber 44-40 Win. ONLY”, and at the rear with a Winchester proof. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked “Made by Miroku – Japan – – Imported by BACO, Inc.-Morgan, Utah / Winchester is a registered trademark of Olin Corporation”. The bottom of the brass lifter is marked “Cal. 44-40 Win”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “00133ZW73L”. The upper tang is marked “WINCHESTER ®” / MODEL 1873”. The top of the barrel and the receiver are marked with the “WP” Winchester proof. The rifle still has the original Winchester sticker on the barrel.
Barrel Length: 24” Octagon
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch full buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece walnut with a satin finish, straight grip, straight comb, Case hardened nosecap, and crescent buttplate. The LOP measures about 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is no handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued Barrel and mag tube, Case hardened receiver buttplate, lever and nose cap.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The bluing and case color are very strong and deep. There are no scratches or handling marks. The rifle still has some of the original packing grease present. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are very clear and prominent. Overall, this gun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: THIS RIFLE HAS BEEN UNFIRED SINCE FACTORY TESTING! The action functions correctly and is very tight. We did not fire this gun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Original box and paperwork.
Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle, manufactured in 2014 by Miroku in Japan, represents a faithful modern continuation of one of the most iconic American sporting arms ever produced. The original Model 1873 earned its reputation as the “Gun That Won the West,” becoming synonymous with frontier life, civilian settlement, and the expansion of the American West during the late 19th century. Modern Miroku-produced examples have gained an excellent reputation for precision machining, high-quality materials, and historically correct aesthetics, offering shooters and collectors a rifle that closely mirrors the original pattern while benefiting from contemporary manufacturing standards established under the Winchester name by Winchester Repeating Arms.
Chambered in .44-40 W.C.F., this rifle is paired with a 24 inch octagonal barrel that reflects the classic rifle-length configuration favored for balance and sight radius. The .44-40 cartridge remains closely tied to the Model 1873’s legacy, known for smooth feeding, mild recoil, and versatility in both historical and modern shooting contexts. Traditional iron sights, including the brass beaded front blade and full buckhorn rear, reinforce the rifle’s period-correct presentation, while the full-length tubular magazine and color case hardened components preserve the visual and mechanical character that has made the 1873 so enduring.
Condition on this example is exceptional. The rifle retains approximately 99 percent of its original finish, with deep bluing, vivid case colors, and no visible handling wear. The bore is bright with sharp, deep rifling, shows no erosion, and rates a full 10 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stocks are unmarked and rate Excellent overall, and the presence of original packing grease and factory barrel sticker further underscore its lightly handled state. Taken together with the original box and paperwork, this Winchester Miroku Model 1873 stands as a pristine modern tribute to a legendary lever action, offering outstanding quality, historical authenticity, and collector appeal in near-new condition. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF
