New Winchester 1873 - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

[Bullseye]

That's what I meant by "a wash". It all came out even.
No mine has a smooth beautiful grain stock. That screw that holds the butt plate on needs re-driven though, It kinda sticks out a bit on one end and that bothers me that it isn't as flush as it should be, other than that the fit is amazing overall.

 

[ThirdWatcher]

Thank you for the update. I can't wait to hit the range with mine... supposed to snow on my days off so it might be awhile.

 

[Steve S.]

I have lived and still live within reasonable driving distance of the Browning (and now Winchester) repair facility in Arnold, MO. I only own one Browning product now but used to own much more in yester year; made about three visits to that facility for different warrantee stuff - my experience was that the service people literally bent over backwards to make the customer happy - very, very satisfying experiences. Browning does not manufacture any junk and they certainly stand behind their product - if you like their firearms, they are a very good choice. Good shooting!

 

[Ibmikey]

Tark, OBD is quite correct on USPS regulations. I have had my mail lady bring me a rifle with 4" of barrel hanging out the end...quality packing was not the case. In NE Washington State and a small town to boot firearms are a natural part of life, and not reason for instant panic.

 

[200Apples]

.
Hey, OBD, glad to hear you got everything squared away. I've put one of these 1873's on my must-have-someday-soon list...

Meanwhile, I've a deposit on a sweet, previously-pwned Browning (Miroku) 1892 in .44Mag which when it comes home will live next to four of it's levergun cousins...

 

[forward observer]

Sorry, never updated this thread. Winchester fixed my rifle up for free. -------------------------
Called up Winchester, asked about repairs. They said send it right in. They even sent me a shipping label, and in three weeks from the day I sent it, I had my rifle back. New magazine tube and cap, serious woodwork done on the toe. I offered to pay for repairs, but they made my rifle look factory new again - at no cost to me, even though the damage was obviously my fault and occurred during normal use of the rifle.

The rifle runs like a champ, and has since after the first time I sent it in. Overall, I'm really pleased with the rifle and Winchester's customer service despite the early issues. I'm going to order either the .44/40 version or an 1892 in .45LC shortly.

I'm glad everything worked out.

This is the kind of service that keeps good customers and brings in more.

I snagged one just like yours after shortly after we discussed your repair experience via PM and have been more than pleased with it. I've put just over 500 rounds through it now without a hitch--mostly reloads of both .38 spl and .357 mag.

In fact I like it so much that today, I just popped for one of the Shot Show special 24 inch octagon barreled models in 44-40 cal on GB.com. These have just started showing up in the market place, but according to the Winchester site they were supposed to only produce 250 each of two calibers in this configuration.

I need another lever gun like a hole in the head, but I'll post a picture when I get it next week.

Cheers

 

[OldBrownDog]

This is the kind of service that keeps good customers and brings in more.

In fact I like it so much that today, I just popped for one of the Shot Show special 24 inch octagon barreled models in 44-40 cal on GB.com. I need another lever gun like a hole in the head, but I'll post a picture when I get it next week.

Absolutely. I'm glad to hear you like yours. They're well built, handy little rifles.

Winchester is doing some really cool things with these '73's. Those SHOT Show specials are really neat. And the Navy Arms/Turnbull/Winchester SASS-ready 73's are gorgeous. I'd love one of those in .44/40. Plus this guy seems to know what he's doing....Hand Engraved 1873

I'd love to see a picture or two of your new rifle when you get it! I've been shooting mostly bolt guns lately, but there's a pristine 1959 M94 in .30/30 at a local shop that's calling my name....

 

[forward observer]

I came across that engraved model by Willy B. while searching for the one I just got--awful tempting--even at $4k.

You should visit his facebook page--this guy does some fantastic work.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Willy-B-Infamous-Engraving/183743578427340

Cheers

 

[OldBrownDog]

FO - you're gonna cost me a lot of money......

A Colt SAA and a matching 1873 or 1892 in .44/40 or .45 Colt are the next two guns on my list. Having them engraved in that style might just be the ticket. Time to start saving, I guess......

 

[CraigC]

Winchester is doing some really cool things with these '73's. Those SHOT Show specials are really neat. And the Navy Arms/Turnbull/Winchester SASS-ready 73's are gorgeous. I'd love one of those in .44/40.

I may have to get after one of those!

 

[forward observer]

Hey, if you guys get in trouble with the women folk for spending too much money on guns keep my name out of it.

I don't have that problem since I lost two wives who have gone on to their reward.

Well, I actually didn't lose them since I know where they are now---but since both live in other states and are miserable--that's reward enough for me.

Cheers

 

[eastbank]

i own four original lever 44-40,s and have been on the hunt for a single action colt in 44-40, but have not found one the suited me. i also have a few other original 92,s with one being in 38-40, well a colt bisley in 38-40 was offered and i bought it to go with my 92 in 38-40 and they both shoot well with a 180gr cast bullet with unique powder.all the 92,s were picked up for less than 1000.00, my last SRC 92 in 44-40 was bought for 750.00 this last fall. eastbank.

 

[forward observer]

Very nice, Eastbank

Don't tell me you got that take down model with the half octagon half round barrel for $750--even $1000 would be a close to robbery.

Cheers

 

[eastbank]

i think i paid 800-850 for the 38-40,the colt was a bit more (a lot more). here is the SRC 92 in 44-40 bought last fall for 750, it was a ranch rifle that was well used and it looks like it was dropped or banged against some thing pretty hard on the forend wood and wood puddy or some thing else added and the wood has been heavly coated with varnish. but the bore is in ex condition and as i shot cast bullets all my older levers must have very good to ex bores or i don,t buy them. eastbank.