Winchester 1873 ’73 3rd Model .22 Short Lever Action Rifle, 1889 Antique
SOLD FOR; $1,412.00
LSB#: WY241021AG027
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 Rifle
Serial Number: 320949B
Year of Manufacture: 1889
Caliber: .22 Short
Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 24″ nominal, 24 1/4″ Measured, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight was a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel, the sight arm has separated from the base and the elevator is missing. The top tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent-style buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scrapes and scratches. There are scattered losses, most have been filled. There are cracks in the wrist. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a thick, dark patina with scattered erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Fair-plus condition as refinished Antique
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original to the parts, we suspect that the inner magazine tube is a replacement, but were not able to remove it.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is not visible. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 2 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. The surfaces range from worn to white to a dark patina. There are scattered nicks, scrapes and scratches. There is scattered oxidation and erosion. The bolt shows heavy erosion. The front of the outer magazine tube is cracked. There is a dent on the outer edge of the muzzle which has peened over the edge of the inner magazine tube, preventing its removal. The screw heads range from tool marked with strong slots to disfigured with questionably usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
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. This example is unusual in that it is chambered for .22 Short. Rather than using the King’s patent loading gate, this 1873 has a tube magazine which would be removed from the front to load, familiar to most users of tube-fed rimfire rifles today. It looks like it has had a long and useful life. This will display well with its “been there, done that” appearance and would be a good candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
