Winchester Model 1873

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  • nomadicdread

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    While at my mom house, I found a Winchester Model 1873 in .32 caliber. What's strange is, I can't find any information about .32 caliber model 1873. Unless Winchester left off the the complete caliber of .32-20 from the markings on the barrel and receiver, something doesn't add up. Does anyone have any sight?
     

    whbonney26

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    32 WCF = 32-20. It was introduced in 1882.

    Nice find.


    Any pics? How did your mom come to have this in the closet? Is there a neat story behind it?
     
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    nomadicdread

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    32 WCF = 32-20. It was introduced in 1882.

    Nice find.


    Any pics? How did your mom come to have this in the closet? Is there a neat story behind it?


    I was laying on the floor behind a TV stand in a spare room. I don't know why I was looking back there but, there it was. I didn't have time to get pictures but, it's pretty beat up. The stock and hardware all appear to be the same color, almost black.

    My step dad told me it was his aunts, she died a couple years ago. That's all he knows. He's not into firearms so you'd think I would have been able to take off his hands, wrong. He wants to see about "getting it fixed up". I told him, whatever you do, don't take a wire brush to it, just leave it alone. I'm told there is a Rosco .22 revolver that was part of her cache as well but couldn't get that from him either. Oh well.

    I'll have to let them know about the caliber and I see that it's still made.
     

    whbonney26

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    I was laying on the floor behind a TV stand in a spare room. I don't know why I was looking back there but, there it was. I didn't have time to get pictures but, it's pretty beat up. The stock and hardware all appear to be the same color, almost black.

    My step dad told me it was his aunts, she died a couple years ago. That's all he knows. He's not into firearms so you'd think I would have been able to take off his hands, wrong. He wants to see about "getting it fixed up". I told him, whatever you do, don't take a wire brush to it, just leave it alone. I'm told there is a Rosco .22 revolver that was part of her cache as well but couldn't get that from him either. Oh well.

    I'll have to let them know about the caliber and I see that it's still made.


    Its still made. There are several companies who still make ammo for it. Black Hills makes it for sure.

    If he really wants to get it fixed up without hurting the value of it then he needs to look into letting Turnbull Restorations out of New York do the work. He is the number one guy with old Winchesters and just about the ONLY one that the real Collectors will even consider.
     
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    whbonney26

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    The 73 Winchester was originally designed to use black powder, do not use modern smokless loads in it.

    I think Black Hills cowboy ammo is built to be safe in the older firearms. They are authentic in the way they produce them. I would def ask first. I dont have an original 73 so its not a question I had to ask myself.
     

    whbonney26

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    Ok, just wanted to check to make sure I was right and I was. You can use the Black Hills ammo in the older rifles.....so long as the rifle is in shootable condition. You can also use any of the ammo from Winchester.
     

    nomadicdread

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    I'm resurrecting this old thread to let y'all know that I'm going to take ownership of the rifle in a couple months. Well, I knew that would never "get it fixed up" and last time I was there, 8 months ago, it was still laying in the same place. So I came out and asked for it and was told that I can have it. So I'll have to pick it up the next time I make a trip home.
     

    Akajun

    Go away,Batin...
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    Brusly
    great, just check for function and clean and oil. Enjoy your rifle.
    BTW dont go crazy with hot handloads, the old toggle design of the 73 does not lend itself to heavy loads. Most Factory stuff should be fine.
     

    nomadicdread

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    great, just check for function and clean and oil. Enjoy your rifle.
    BTW dont go crazy with hot handloads, the old toggle design of the 73 does not lend itself to heavy loads. Most Factory stuff should be fine.

    I'm planning to stick with factory ammo. Winchester still makes .32-30 and I don't reload.
     

    nomadicdread

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    Most definitely. With some before and after photos as well. I'll be looking for the least abrasive way to get the paint off of the woods and metals. Mineral spirits and a terry cloth?
     

    Cleburne

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    Post photos before trying to "restore" it. We'll try to give helpful information once we've had some close-ups to study. NO ABRASIVES. You may be able to keep the original finish / patina of the wood and metal.
     

    nomadicdread

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    Four years later....

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