Winchester Miroku Model 1873 .357 mag/38 Spl. 20” Lever Action Short Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
LSB#: LSB260113JS042
Make: Winchester, made in Japan by Miroku
Model: 1873 Lever Action Short Rifle
Serial Number: 00488ZT73F
Year of Manufacture: 2016 / Modern (ZT Date code)
Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Special
Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER ®”, “Model 1873 – – Caliber .357 Mag-38 Spl ONLY”. There are “WP” Winchester proof marks on the top of the barrel and the top of the receiver. 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. .357/.38”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “00488ZT73F”. The upper tang is marked “WINCHESTER ®” / MODEL 1873”.
Barrel Length: 20” Round
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 smooth walnut with a matte finish, straight grip, straight comb, Blued nosecap and crescent steel 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, Receiver and mag tube,
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 and appears unfired since factory testing. The bluing is very strong and deep. There are no scratches or handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are very clear and prominent. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition, Like New condition.
Mechanics: This rifle has had VERY few rounds through it and likely 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: The Winchester Model 1873 remains one of the most iconic lever action rifles in American firearms history, often referred to as the rifle that defined the late 19th century frontier. Modern examples produced by Miroku faithfully preserve the mechanical layout and visual character of the original while benefiting from modern metallurgy, precision machining, and consistently high fit and finish. By the mid 2010s, Miroku made Winchester 1873 rifles had become widely respected for delivering period correct handling with modern reliability, making them standout examples among contemporary lever action offerings.
This Short Rifle configuration features a 20 inch round barrel chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 Special, a pairing that offers excellent versatility and mild recoil while remaining true to the pistol caliber heritage of the original 1873 design. The bore is bright with sharp, deep rifling and no visible erosion, earning a 10 out of 10 rating. Approximately 99 percent of the original metal finish remains, with deep, even bluing across the barrel, receiver, and magazine tube. The rifle appears unfired since factory testing, with crisp screwheads and sharply defined markings throughout, reinforcing its like new presentation.
The smooth walnut stock set features a straight grip, straight comb, blued nosecap, and crescent steel buttplate, all remaining in excellent condition with no handling wear, chips, or cracks observed. Wood to metal fit is tight and well executed, reflecting Miroku’s high production standards. The action is very tight and functions correctly, consistent with minimal use. This rifle presents as an exceptionally clean, modern production Winchester 1873 that captures the spirit of the original while offering contemporary build quality and condition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! BF
