Winchester Model 1873 Short Rifle Case Color .44-40 WCF Lever Rifle, 2018
Sold For: $1,225
LSB#: 200731JS01
Make: Winchester, Made in Japan by Miroku
Model: 1873 Short Rifle Color Case Hardened
Serial Number: 00035ZP73T
Year of Manufacture: 2018 (ZP date code)
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44 Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER”, “Model 1873 — Caliber 44-40 Win. ONLY”, the right is marked “Made by Miroku – Japan — Imported by BACO, Inc. – Morgan, Utah / Winchester is a registered trademark of Olin Corporation”. The top-rear of the barrel and top-front of the receiver have ovalled “WP” proofs. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number behind the lifter. The bottom of the lifter is marked “Cal. 44-40 Win”.
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 square-notched semi-buckhorn leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip and crescent buttplate. The stocks have minor handling wear with only a few scattered minor nicks and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear at the heel and toe and scattered minor marks in the face. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in the receiver which has light wear around the loading gate and some voids in the finish on the left sideplate. There is handling wear in the top tang and the lever. The action shows light operational wear. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. There is a lever lock on the lower tang. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in a white cardboard Winchester box with serial-matching label, cable lock, and an assortment of factory paperwork including manual. The box has scattered light storage wear and there is some damage to the styrofoam interior, in about Very Good condition.
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. While the 1873 was discontinued in the early 1900s, the design was brought back by the Italian company Uberti and was popular enough that Winchester re-introduced it in 2013. This example is one of the newer models, produced in 2018, but still chambered for the classic .44-40 WCF cartridge. With beautiful stocks, vibrant case-color, a bright bore and strong mechanics, this rifle would make a wonderful addition to a Winchester collection as an example of what an original would have looked like when brand-new. Of course, it will also be a great rifle for recreational target shooting or competition in Cowboy Action Shooting. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle can be transferred in California.
