Winchester 1873 3rd Model .38-40 WCF 24″ Lever Action Rifle 1888 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,136.00
LSB#: LSB260222JB001
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 Rifle Third Model Rifle
Serial Number: 271576B
Year of Manufacture: 1888/ Antique
Caliber: .38-40 Winchester (.38 Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action, Centerfire, with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER–REPEATING–ARMS–NEW HAVEN–CONN U.S.A. / KINGS–IMPROVEMENT –PATENTED–MARCH 29, 1860 – OCTOBER 16, 1860”. The top of the barrel near the receiver is marked “.38 WCF”. The bottom of the brass lifter is marked “.38 Cal.” The Serial number “271576B” is stamped on the lower tang and “—MODEL 1873—” is stamped on the upper tang.
Barrel Length: 24″ Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi buckhorn V-notch on an elevator, dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, with crescent rifle style trapdoor buttplate. The LOP is 12 3/4″ from trigger to buttplate. The stock has been refinished. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are white scuffs on the buttstock. The forend is slightly loose. There are no chips or cracks. This stock is in Good to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is defined. There is light erosion in the bore. There is light pitting throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its current metal finish. There are scratches scattered throughout. There are polish marks that show through the bluing. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are softened but legible. Overall this rifle is in Good condition.
Mechanics: This rifle is in functional condition. The hammer holds quarter and full cock. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1873 Third Model represents the most refined and widely produced variation of the famed “Gun That Won the West,” incorporating incremental improvements to the dust cover rail and internal geometry that defined late-production examples. Manufactured in 1888, this rifle falls squarely within the mature period of Model 1873 production, when the design had proven itself across the American frontier. Chambered in .38-40 WCF, also known as .38 Winchester Center Fire, the rifle reflects a popular period chambering that offered a balance of manageable recoil and practical effectiveness, often paired with revolvers of the same caliber for logistical simplicity.
This example retains the desirable 24″ octagonal barrel and full-length tubular magazine, a configuration favored for its balance and sighting stability. The rifle has been refinished, with approximately 95% of its current metal finish remaining, though underlying polish marks and softened edges are visible, along with scattered handling wear. The markings remain legible, preserving the rifle’s identity despite refinishing. The walnut stocks have also been refinished and show typical handling marks, including scratches, compression dents, and light scuffing, while remaining free of cracks. The forend exhibits slight looseness, consistent with age and use. The bore is semi-bright with defined rifling, though light erosion and pitting are present, aligning with the rifle’s overall condition and long service life.
Altogether, this rifle presents as a solid representative of a Third Model 1873 that has seen both use and later refurbishment. While no longer in original finish, it retains the essential character and mechanical presence of a late 19th century Winchester rifle, with a configuration that remains true to the classic sporting pattern. The combination of octagon barrel, period chambering, and functional action continues to convey the enduring appeal of the Model 1873 as one of the foundational repeating rifles of the American West. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF