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Winchester Model 1873 .38 WCF Octagon Lever Action

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
Winchester Model 1873 .38 WCF Octagon Lever Action
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Offered for sale is a Winchester Model 1873 .38-40 Lever Action Rifle. The Model 1873 was one of the most successful Winchester rifles of its day, with Winchester marketing it as "The Gun that Won the West". Still an icon in the modern day, it was manufactured between 1873 and 1923. It was originally chambered for the .44-40 cartridge, which was the first centrefire cartridge and which became immensely popular. The 1873 was later produced in .38-40 and .32-20, all of which later became popular handgun cartridges of the day, allowing users to carry just one type of ammunition. The Model 1873 was produced in four variations: a 24-inch barrel rifle, a 20-inch barrel carbine, and a "musket"—which was aimed at military contracts and only made up less than 5% of production. (Musket was a term that, at the time, denoted a full length military-style stock, not to be confused with a true smoothbore musket). The standard rifle-length version was most popular in the 19th century, although Winchester would make rifles to order in any configuration the customer wished, including longer barrels or baby carbines with barrels as short as 12 inches, octagonal-shaped barrels, colour case hardened receivers and fancy engraving. this fine rifle is in particularly good condition inside and out. It shows deep aged blue on the barrel and magazine tube with aged blue naturally turning into an attractive, uncleaned patina on the receiver with excellent blue on the loading gate. The rifle retains the original sliding dust cover on the receiver top (these are often missing) and the lever catch on the lower tang. The crescent butt stock with solid steel butt plate is in excellent condition. The rifle still retains a very tight action and fine rifled bore, adjustable buckhorn rear sight with correct Winchester blade front sight. 24” barrel and full magazine with all correct barrel markings, “WINCHESTER’S –REPEATING - ARMS-NEW HAVEN, CT” over “KING’S – IMPROVEMEMT – PATENTED – MARCH 29, 1866. OCTOBER 16, 1860.” “38 WCF” caliber designation is also stamped on the top of the barrel ahead of the receiver as well as “38 CAL” on the brass lifter on the bottom of the receiver. This rifle was manufactured in 1888. Antique firearm. NO FFL transfer or NICS background check required. Serial Number: 281116.