Winchester Miroku Model 1873 SRC .357 mag/38 Spl. 20” Lever Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,006.00
LSB#: LSB260421MC002
Make: Winchester, made in Japan by Miroku
Model: 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine
Serial Number: 00235YW73C
Year of Manufacture: 2024 / Modern (YW 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 receiver is marked with the serial number “00235YW73C”. 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 flat top semi-buckhorn U-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, banded forend, and a carbine style steel buttplate. The LOP measures about 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is faint handling wear. There is a compression on the left side of the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The barrel is bulged. There are a series of squib rings 5 inches from the muzzle. The rifling is sharp and there is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 2/10 given the squib rings and the bulge. We do not recommend firing this rifle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original finish. There is thinning on the leading edges. There is light saddle ring wear on the left side of the receiver. There are scattered scratches and scuffs. There is intermittent oxidation and rust freckling. The case color is vibrant. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are very clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Poor to Fair condition given the state of the barrel.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1873 holds a singular place in American firearms history — the rifle that earned the title “The Gun That Won the West.” Originally manufactured by Winchester Repeating Arms from 1873 through 1919, the 1873 introduced centerfire cartridge technology to the lever-action platform and became the defining arm of the frontier era, carried by lawmen, outlaws, cowboys, and cavalrymen alike. The modern Miroku-manufactured iterations, imported under the Winchester trademark by BACO, Inc., faithfully reproduce the original’s lines and mechanics with contemporary Japanese craftsmanship, offering collectors and enthusiasts a historically accurate tribute piece chambered in the highly practical .357 Magnum/.38 Special — a pairing that echoes the original’s compatibility with period revolvers.
This particular example has sustained a squib obstruction, presenting multiple rings approximately 5 inches from the muzzle along with a confirmed barrel bulge — this rifle should not be fired in its current state. Outside of that disqualifying mechanical condition, the rifle is cosmetically appealing, retaining approximately 90% original finish with vibrant case color, sharp markings, excellent stocks, and a fully functional action. The barrel would require professional replacement before this rifle could safely return to service. For the buyer willing to undertake that restoration, this Winchester Miroku represents a compelling opportunity to own a handsome piece of the lever-action legacy. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.