Winchester Model 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine .44-40 Lever Rifle 1882 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,825.00
LSB#: WY250124JH003
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 98308A
Year of Manufacture: 1882
Caliber: .44-40 W.C.F.
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade fixed to a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight. The rear sight is a ladder sight dovetailed to the barrel with a fixed v-notch when down and V-notch leaf when up.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. There are no cracks. There are scratches, nicks, scuffs, compressions, and scrapes throughout the stocks, concentrated at the rear of the buttstock. There is a chip in the comb at the buttplate. The LOP measures 12 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has taken a general dark patina and erosion throughout. The stocks have been heavily sanded and refinished. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dull with shallow rifling. There is light to mild erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about none of its finish. Most of the finish has taken deep patina, corrosion, and erosion. There are some heavy scratches and nicks. The screw heads are tool marked to disfigured. The markings are generally clear. The mechanics are strong. The saddle ring loop is a little loose. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a factory letter.
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 gun needs no introduction and chances are you’ve seen one. More than 720,00 were produced from 1873 through 1923 and the gun is produced and used to this day. 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. These included the .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40 cartridges. This rifle will display well as-is with its “been there, done that” appearance, but would also be a likely candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
