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Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with 28 Inch Smoothbore Barrel

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 4,500.00 USD
Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with 28 Inch Smoothbore Barrel
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Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with 28 Inch Smoothbore Barrel

Desirable Winchester 1873 rifle manufactured 1898. Winchester expert, George Madis, stated Winchester did manufacture smoothbore barrels with a caliber marking, therefore our opinion is that this rifle barrel was probably bored out by an early Western frontier gunsmith. This was done for "trick shooting" with shot cartridges as used in the early Wild West Cowboy shows. The breech end also shows old vise marks, consistent with this theory. The last 1-2 inches of the barrel has very light rifling remaining, somewhat like a choke. The magazine tube/plug has a worn/beveled edge, consistent with horse back riding and trick shooting. Standard, two line barrel address/patent dates, marked "38 WCF". The upper tang has the third pattern "MODEL 1873" markings. It is has a full length magazine tube with standard sights. Standard straight grip walnut stock and forearm with a crescent buttplate with butt compartment (cleaning rod not included).

Manufucture: Winchester
Model: 1873
BBL: 28 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Guage: 44
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 525909B

Fine overall with gray/brown patina, 35% plus finish in protected area, with noted barrel modifications. The barrel/receiver junction has old, hard dried grease, and dirt as accumulated over years of use, that we all like to see on original frontier rifles, also supporting our theory on how/why the barrel was modified. The wood retains 15% varnish with numerous handling marks and scratches, consistent with a 100+ year old rifle. The forend cap is missing the two small screws, both easily replaced. Mechanically fine. It would be interesting to obtain a factory letter and trace the history of this rifle, as it could be a real sleeper!