1873 Winchester Models

[MI2600]

I recently bought a 1873 38-40 rifle made in 1881. I searching for some replacement parts online I see reference to "First Model", "Second Model", etc.

How can I determine which model I have?

 

[Tommygunn]

What parts are you looking for? Some parts might be generic to all models, some specific to all models of a particular caliber, or to carbines, or rifles. A hammer, for instance, probably fits all models. The lifter (cartridge elevator) might be common only to cartridges close in size; a 44-40 might fit a 38-40, but not a 32-20. However, these were often (but not always) marked, especially after additional calibers were introduced.

With the 1873 model, the major external difference(s) between the models can mainly be seen in the sliding dust cover. Early models featured a rectangular cover that slide inside slots milled on either side of the mortise, which is the vertical shafts the cartridge lifter rises in. Later, a rib, or rail, was first attached to the top of the receiver, and still later, was manufactured as part of the receiver.

If you are in need of a dust cover, you'll need to note how the part is attached to your particular weapon. There were certain cosmetic differences on all these dust covers over time and it is hard to explain in a thread post. How it mechanically attaches to the rifle is more important.

Historians generally recognize four major variants of the 1873 (NOT including differences like carbine, short rifle, long rifle, and musket). But, there are many smaller differences. One book says no one knows how many minor differences exist in subvariants. In those days customers could order some special characteristics, like barrel length.

Do you need parts for your gun? Dixie Gun Works has parts for Winchesters, but you are going to have to contact them for help, or order their catalog.

I think you may wind up being more concerned with caliber as a determinate .... but if we could know what particular part (s) you need, there are a number of people here who could offer more specific help.

 

[Speedo66]

When I first got my 1889 '73, I too was a little confused, I had never even heard of the caliber it was in,.38-40.

Didn't take much online research to find out which model I had, a 3.

As far as differences in parts, one defining characteristic is size of caliber, as mentioned. A lot of parts will interchange with the two larger calibers, some with .32-20, but the .22 model which doesn't even have a loading gate is a stand alone.

I found doing the research exciting.

Edit: It's also how I found this site, so very worth while.

 

[BigBlue 94]

Im no professional, but the 32-20 was released in 1882 in the '73. I would guess that would be the start of the 2nd or 3rd model.

What configuration is it? There were some special order options available too like barrel length, mag length, buttplate shape, and barrel shape.

I have an 1890 mfg special order 32-20 with 30" full octagon barrel, full length mag, and crescent buttplate

 

[forward observer]

Check this site out for the most comprehensive list of original and reproduction parts for all Winchester models. They have parts for other vintage guns, but more Winchester than most you will find.

https://homesteadparts.com/shop/

If you want a reasonably priced book on the technical differences of parts and model aspects of the 1873's plus the 1866 and 1876, check out the Arthur Puckle books on Amazon.com. This softbound book is about $23 but if you have Kindle reader or app, you can download it for only $6. There are 2 other books in the series--one covering the M1886 and M1892, then the last covering the M1894 and M1895.

For Collectors only--1866, 1873, and 1876

Cheers

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Collectors recognize three, not four, separate models of the Winchester Model 1873.

Yes, they are distinguished by the style of dust cover.

I have taken the liberty of photographing a page from George W. Stone's excellent book, The Winchester 1873 Handbook that shows the three different styles of dust covers. The first style is shown at the top of the photo. There were two rails cast onto the top of the frame and the dust cover rode between the rails. Note the checkered 'thumbprint' in the middle of the cover to give the shooter some purchase when opening the dust cover. The second model, in the middle photo incorporated a center rib screwed to the top of the frame. The dust cover rode on the rib. Notice the screw holding the rib onto the frame. Notice this example also has a 'thumbprint' on it. Stone says the 2nd style dust cover started appearing around serial number 29,500. Looking that up in the Winchester Dates of Manufacture at oldguns.net places that SN during 1879. Notice Stone says the 2nd model began appearing at the round number of 29,500, he does not get more specific than that. The third style dust cover was similar to the 2nd style, however the rib was cast integrally on top of the frame. Notice there is no 'thumbprint' on this example, instead there are serrations on the rear edge for the shooter to grip. Stone says this style appeared around SN 89,000. Winchester Dates of Manufacture places that SN in 1882. All the replica Winchester 1873 rifles made by Uberti have the third style dust cover.






Here are a couple of 3rd model dust covers. Yes, somebody made a mess of the screw on one a long time ago. I have not taken one apart for some time, but as I recall the screw secures a thin tab that extends into a shallow slot on the frame to help keep things lined up. The tab must be removed so the dust cover can be slid backwards off the rail. At least that is the way I seem to recall the way the 3rd Models worked. If one is removing an Uberti dust cover care must be taken because there is a tiny ball bearing under coil spring pressure exerting upward pressure on the dust cover. If one is not careful, the tiny ball will shoot out and wind up on the moon. The originals have a leaf spring instead of the ball.






This is a photo of Stone's book. It is chock full of information about the Model 1873 Winchester, with many excellent photos of parts. There is a fairly detailed list of manufacturing changes over the years in the front. It was published in 1973. Unfortunately it is out of print now. I was able to get one of the last copies a few years ago for a reasonable price. Copies are going for big money these days.

 

[Tommygunn]

Driftwood, My sources said 4 variations . I don't say this to provoke an argument, as I really don't have a dog in this fight .... well, maybe a hot dog which has no teeth ( ) .
My only reason to point this out is that I didn't pull a number out of thin air. I have two books by Madis on Winchester and several others by various authors. I have a strong suspicion there's room for disagreement in a community of authors.
Anyway, I appreciate your post; you're a wealth of info and post many great photos, and I appreciate them all.


3? 4? 3+4÷2=3.5

Edited to add: Ha! Thanks for the info on the Uberti dust cover and the spring loaded ball bearing. I found out about a week ago about this.

Yea .... It launched. Gone. I am trying to find a collection of tiny springs which might help me fabricate a replacement. VTI Gunparts has the bearing but I see no spring on their sight. I have a Miroku 1873 I think uses the leaf spring, but I ain't no way touchingit to find out!!!

 

[roc1]

Good information I have a 1873 32-20 that belonged to my great grandfather. I’m 4th generation to have it. I wrote Winchester years ago still have letter showing it left factory in 1891. I shot it when I was a kid with my grandpa. He told me many years ago his dad traded a shotgun for it. I have old powder horn and bullet molds to that he had. Nice piece of history and heirloom. My son then my grandson some point will get it told them keep it in family.
Thanks for information
Roc1

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Interesting.

That's the first time I have ever heard anyone say there were four models. I have a bunch of Winchester books and they all say three models. This of course does not include the three different configurations that most Winchester lever guns came in; rifle, carbine, and musket.

I have two Winchester books by Madis, the small Winchester Handbook, and the much larger, much fatter book titled The Winchester Book. In the Handbook he specifically states there were three models, defined by the three different styles of dust covers. Because it is not quite as big and heavy, this is the book I usually grab when I want to look up something about Winchesters.

I must admit I have not read every page of the much more in depth The Winchester Book, it is over 600 pages. Turning to the 1873 section on page 133 he does refer to an Early First Model, a Later First Model, the Second Model, and the Third Model, with an accompanying photo and a brief description. Perhaps you have this book too. In both books he shows a photo of dust covers with 7 variations, although he does still define the 3 Models by the three styles of dust covers.

There were of course many large and small design changes to the Model 1873 in its long production life of 1873 to 1923.

Anyway, I believe most collectors categorize the 1873 Winchester as having been produced in three models, and that is how I will continue to refer to them.

 

[Tommygunn]

Interesting.

That's the first time I have ever heard anyone say there were four models. I have a bunch of Winchester books and they all say three models. This of course does not include the three different configurations that most Winchester lever guns came in; rifle, carbine, and musket.

I have two Winchester books by Madis, the small Winchester Handbook, and the much larger, much fatter book titled The Winchester Book. In the Handbook he specifically states there were three models, defined by the three different styles of dust covers. Because it is not quite as big and heavy, this is the book I usually grab when I want to look up something about Winchesters.

I must admit I have not read every page of the much more in depth The Winchester Book, it is over 600 pages. Turning to the 1873 section on page 133 he does refer to an Early First Model, a Later First Model, the Second Model, and the Third Model, with an accompanying photo and a brief description. Perhaps you have this book too. In both books he shows a photo of dust covers with 7 variations, although he does still define the 3 Models by the three styles of dust covers.

There were of course many large and small design changes to the Model 1873 in its long production life of 1873 to 1923.

Anyway, I believe most collectors categorize the 1873 Winchester as having been produced in three models, and that is how I will continue to refer to them.

All I can say is I recall four variations. I admit I have "mis-remembered" things before, even when I felt sure I was right. I have the two Madis books you mention .... I suppose I could have picked it up there. Anyhow, I value both books quite highly.

Under the circumstances I shall concede the issue.

 

[MI2600]

Sorry for the delay getting back. Anyway, I must have a Third Model, per the pics. I have never seen the earlier type dust covers
I bought the rifle because it's in 38-40, which I'm lead to believe only constituted 4% of the total '73 production.
I would love to know its history. There is a small "pin" of sorts mounted on the bottom of the butt stock. The pin has "11" on it which leads me to suspect it was used by some organization or institution during its lifetime. The wood furniture is a total loss, full of signs of abuse, but the metal is a pleasing even brown patina and the internal action is clean and seems to function good with dummy rounds. The bore shows use but no abuse.
Replacing the stock and forearm is not a problem, but it has a shotgun style butt. I'm still trying to find a replacement for the butt plate, but no success thus far. Somewhere in my search, I read the shotgun butts were rather rare.
Anyone know of a source for the butt plate, or have one tucked away?

 

[Armybrat]

Crescent butt plate? I’ve got a couple of small toolboxes full of old Winchester parts including butt plates for 73s. I recall most of them are for carbines. Will check to see if there’s one for a rifle.
Edited to add... most are carbine butt plates. I have two “brass” Crescent ones and only one iron crescent plate. It was reblued long ago.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

According to Madis, there were

566,487 Model 1873 Winchesters chambered for 44-40,
24,826 Model 1873 Winchesters chambered for 38-40,
109,558 Model 1873 Winchesters chambered for 32-20,
and 19,738 chambered for 22 Short.

Yes, 22 Short.

Yes, the 32-20 Model 1873s were much more popular than the 38-40 ones. 38-40 was introduced in 1879, but was never a big seller, there was more demand for the heavier 44-40 cartridge. The rifle was first chambered for 32-20 in 1882. It should be remembered that the 1873 Winchester was a very heavy rifle, in my experience an 1873 Winchester weighs a full pound more than the 1892 model, barrel length, configuration, and chambering being equal. Because of the very small bore hole in the 22s, the barrel was relieved underneath the fore stock to cut down somewhat on weight.

 

[cfullgraf]

Hey, thanks all for the info on the Winchester 73. I have a 32-20 built in the early 1890’s and had not done any research on it yet.

Mine was refurbished sometime during its life before me so it has lost some value. But, that was ok by me. It does shoot and function fine.

 

[eastbank]

my two winchester 38-40,s, a 1873 third model and a 1892 takedown. they both are a joy to shoot. i load two levels of power, a lower level for the 73 and higher level for the 92.

 

[Armybrat]

Those are prime-looking rifles!
Mine (.44-40, .32-20) are mostly no finish, “patina” types with rough bores. Don’t think I’d try to shoot any of them.

 

[Speedo66]

They made some higher powered .38-40 cartridges for the '92 only. I guess even back then, as now, people ignored warnings and they were used in weaker long guns and revolvers with consequences.

They were dropped from production but you never know what you may find in an old shop or at a show. So, just make sure they never wind up in a '73.

On a related note, the '73's have relatively soft barrels and I've seen recommendations to shoot lead only, no jacketed bullets.

 

[BigBlue 94]

Id love to find a 38-40 and have the cash to drop on it. Would go nicely with my 1923 New Service in 38-40.

My 1890 '73 in 32-20 is an original condition shooter.

I picked up a new plastic butt plate for my 1897 from Midway a while back. Not sure if it would fit or not.