An Inside look at the Winchester Model 1873

Am Shooting Journal ^ | 12/8/2017 | J Hines

[w1n1]

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 originally chambered for the .44-40 cartridge, which was the first centrefire cartridge and which became immensely popular.

Instead of explaining the technical details of the 1873 working. Instead view the inside animation that highlights the loading, firing and reloading sequence which gives you a different perspective on how a lever action rifle works.
With its simplistic design and a trace of our gun culture dating back to the wild wild west days, its still a favorite for hunters and plinkers. View the full footage of this iconic Winchester Model 1873 video here.

[onedoug]

Does that refer to the year that model appeared?

I was looking at some descriptions of the show that indicated it took place in the 1870s & 80s.

[rickomatic]

Does that refer to the year that model appeared? I was looking at some descriptions of the show that indicated it took place in the 1870s & 80s.

Looks like they took a little artistic license. Only gun nuts like me would notice. And even then, only after a google search...LOL.

What time period was the rifleman? The Rifleman is an American Western television program starring Chuck Connors as rancher Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son Mark McCain. It was set in the 1870s and 1880s in the fictional town of North Fork, New Mexico Territory.

(ABC,-TV 1958-1963) The Rifleman states that “Lucas McCain” (Chuck Connors) can fire a round with his specially modified Winchester rifle in three-tenths of a second! This is a beautiful, screen-used custom modified 44-40 Winchester model 1892, saddle ring carbine (serial number 497689) manufactured in 1909.

[rickomatic]

The only special feature on mine is the set trigger which was somewhat common in that era. Otherwise a standard rifle.

Mine also has the set trigger, although the adjustment screw is broken off. I have a replacement, but not the proper tools to remove the broken set screw properly. Mine also has a special order barrel length. I want to say it's a 30" barrel. It's in my safe at my son's house right now as we're in the middle of the move, otherwise I'd take it out to check, and to fondle it some....LOL.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Watching some of the better shooters run their rifles at End of Trail is quite the sight, especially in the speed rifle side match. I think Deuce Stevens can empty his Marlin 1894 in a good bit less than 2 seconds.

Me? The TO can go get lunch while I’m shooting.

[Tijeras_Slim]

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=160

Available but not cheap.

[onedoug]

Thanks a lot. Very interesting.

[Yo-Yo]

Fantastic collection! You are either very diligent or very lucky to have found all of those.

You may be interested in this YouTube playlist from Forgotten Weapons on the development of the Winchester lever action. At least I did.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofGnRSE7lpI&list=PL9e3UCcU00TREsGA9nkvCqFp2e0Ht9u3e>/a>

[DJ Taylor]

Thanks, that was an excellent article on the 1873 Winchester. However, he did fail to note the difference between the 1873 Model 1, Model 2, and Model 3 dust covers and sights.

[1Old Pro]

Thanks, in NYS I can’t get it shipped and so far two shops I deal with won’t order for me.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Sorry to hear that.