Winchester 1873 Appraisal

Winchester 1873 Appraisal


Introduction | History of Winchester Guns | Models |  Variations
Outline of Features | Condition  | 
Diagrams / Pictures  | 

Which Model Configuration do You Have?

 Step 1: Determine the Model of Firearm

The standard 1873 rifle was a lever action and had a walnut stock, with a crescent buttplate. There are 3 Model Configurations with primarily serial numbers and the dust cover type separating those models. Remember that many different options were available directly from the Winchester factory, and you can find deluxe varieties in the 1873 that have checkered stocks and may have a pistol grip, shortened magazine and/or other added features. If your gun has any of these features, you should contact a certified appraiser. Serial Number is the major criteria that will be used to differentiate among the 3 different Model Configurations of the 1873Winchester. The serial number is found on the lower tang just past the lever handle. For the Style of rifle that you have (Determined in Step #2), note that barrel length is measured from the end of the barrel tip (past the front sight), to the end of the barrel threads (beyond where the barrel inserts into the receiver in the middle of the gun). In the 1873 Winchester, you can measure from the top of the receiver from where the bolt opening ends, to the barrel tip, to get an accurate overall barrel length. As an example, in the Carbine (pictured below), which has a 20" barrel, the measurement from the barrel tip to the receiver front is only 19 1/4 ". In order to add the distance of the barrel threads, you need to keep measuring into the receiver until you reach the end of the threads at the bolt/receiver opening (see where arrow points to in picture below). This will give you the correct barrel length measurement of 20".

Use the following Key to determine which model (configuration) of gun that you have.  Start at "a" and then select one of the "a" choices.  Follow the STEPS through the key to determine your shotgun Model type.  Then confirm your selection with with the overall descriptions and variations in the Outline of Features section.  These Model 12 Winchester shotguns were very popular and some have gone through many hands.  Each owner had an opportunity to modify the gun, add parts, change parts, and remove features.  Be alert for such modifications, and remember that any modification from the original probably decreases value of that gun.  Additionally, this shotgun was able to be ordered from the Winchester factory with many different types of variations and custom additions.

If you need help determining names  used for the parts of your gun, examine the Parts Diagram by Clicking Here.

Model

.22
 
First   Model Second Model Third Model .22 cal

Use the following Key to determine which model of gun you have.  Start at "a" and then select one of the "a" choices.  Follow the STEPS through the key to determine your rifle type.  Then confirm with the overall descriptions and variations.  These guns were very popular and some have gone through many hands.  Each owner had an opportunity to modify the gun, add parts, change parts, and remove features.  Be alert for such modifications, and remember that any modification from the original probably decreases value.

If you need help determining names  used for the parts of your gun, examine the Parts Diagram by Clicking Here.

Easy Key:

a. My gun is a lever action with a Serial Number that is EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN 31,000 .  ---  Go to section b

a. My gun is a lever action with a Serial Number LESS THAN 31,000.  You have a  FIRST MODEL.

Octagon Barrel  on a First Model 1873 Winchester

Dustcover on an early First Model 1873 Musket

 Go to STEP 2

 

 

b. My gun has a Serial Number that GREATER THAN 90,000 ---  Go to section c


Winchester with Serial Number greater than 90,000

b. My gun is a lever action with a Serial Number THAT IS  LESS THAN 90,000.  You have a  SECOND MODEL 1873 Winchester. 

 1873 Caliber Marking on bottom of receiver

Late 2nd  Model dust Cover


 Go to STEP 2

 

 

 

c. My gun has a SERIAL NUMBER GREATER THAN 90,000.  You have a THIRD MODEL 1873 Winchester.  

An 1873 Barrel with full markings

Third Model 1873 Sporting Rifle Receiver

 Go to STEP 2


 

c.  My gun is a .22 Caliber Model 1873 with a 24" octagon barrel, with a full magazine. The stock is plain walnut with a straight grip, and the forearm is plain and capped. The butt plate is a Crescent metal type with a compartment for a cleaning rod.   You have a  Winchester 1873 Rifle made in .22 Caliber. 


 

This is an example of a Winchester 1873 Sporting Rifle in .22 caliber


Once you have determined the model, you might want to visit the Outline of Features  page to see the standard features of the Model 1873.  This will help you to  determine if modifications might have been made to the original condition of your gun.

You have now completed STEP #1 of this Appraisal.  Be sure that you have marked off in the box at the right for the appropriate model of 1873 that you have

 

Continue to Step 2 and the styles of Model 1873