MINT Winchester Miroku Model 1873 .44-40 Win. 24” Oct Lever Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,375.00
LSB#: LSB251016KS118
Make: Winchester, made in Japan by Miroku
Model: 1873 Lever Action Rifle
Serial Number: 00259ZV73E
Year of Manufacture: 2015 / Modern (ZV Date code)
Caliber: .45 Colt
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 “00259ZV73E”. 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” Octagonal
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. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition. There is no handling wear. There are no chips or cracks.
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 Like New 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: The Winchester Model 1873 occupies a singular place in American firearms history, earning its enduring reputation as “The Gun That Won the West” through widespread use by settlers, ranchers, lawmen, and civilians during the late 19th century. Introduced as a stronger, steel-framed successor to the brass-framed Model 1866, the 1873 allowed Winchester to chamber more capable centerfire cartridges, most notably the .44 Winchester Center Fire, which quickly became one of the most popular rifle and revolver cartridges of the frontier era. Original production continued into the early 20th century, after which the model’s legend only grew, fueled by its association with westward expansion and American industrial ingenuity.
Following the closure of original production, demand for the Model 1873 was revived decades later through the rise of Cowboy Action Shooting and renewed interest in historic lever-action designs. While many reproductions entered the market from Italian manufacturers, Winchester-branded reintroductions followed a more complex corporate path. The Winchester name, long owned by Olin Corporation, was licensed through U.S. Repeating Arms Company and later came under the Browning umbrella, which had an established relationship with Miroku of Japan. In 2013, Winchester announced the return of the Model 1873 under the Winchester name, produced by Miroku and imported by Browning, combining modern manufacturing precision with historically faithful styling.
This particular example reflects the high standards associated with Miroku production, offering excellent fit, finish, and mechanical execution while remaining visually true to the classic 1873 profile. Retaining its original box, paperwork, factory sticker, and evidence of minimal handling, it presents as a near-new modern interpretation of one of Winchester’s most iconic designs. As a result, this rifle stands as both a refined modern lever-action and a respectful continuation of a legacy that spans more than a century.Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF.
