Winchester Model 1873 38 wcf Help

[jkulysses]

I've got an old Model 1873 that has been handed down through the family since it was bought new in the late 1800's. I had Cody Firearms Museum trace the serial number and it was made in 1888. It's missing some internal pieces and I'm not exactly sure what they are or what they would be called so I haven't been able to find any parts by just taking it in to local gun shops they just want to try and buy it from me lol. I don't have any clue as to what it's worth but it's not for sale I just want to get it back to where it is fully functional. Here's some pictures of it.







Front sight is also broke off


Any help or info would be great I don't know much other than what I've wrote in this thread. I don't even really know what 38 wcf means is this a round that you can even buy anymore?

 

[Old Shooter]

What a piece of history.

I wish I could help you but I can't.

If you decide to get rid of it, send it to me and I will give it a place of prominace on my den wall with, perhaps, a small plaque recognising your contribution to preserving history.

Really, a very nice looking rifle, keep it and enjoy.

 

[Old Fuff]

Nice rifle, and interesting history... I wouldn't sell it either.

Follow the following link for help in getting it restored.

David R. Chicoine (704) 853-0265

www.oldwestgunsmith.com

Dave is not inexpensive, but he has a national reputation as being the best.

 

[jkulysses]

Thank you for the link I will look into it some more and shoot him an email with pictures and see if he might be able to help me out. By the looks of his website this should be right up his ally though for sure. I posted this in the "family heirloom topic also earlier and one of the guys in there found a couple links for me that have already taught me quite a bit about this rifle. The .38 WCF version I guess is pretty rare. It said that only 3.4% of the 1873's made had this caliber.

 

[aphrowe]

parts

It appears that your rifle is missing the right and left link assemblies. It is possible that Dixie Gun Works in Tenn. might have parts. Other sources such as Jack First in S. Dak. might have parts. These guns are easy to work on and fun to shoot. Any other questions I'd be happy to help. P.S. I looked at Gun Parts and they were sold out but the price was $22.00 for each the R and L links. Jon

 

[jkulysses]

I can't believe I've learned more about this gun in one day on this forum then I have in the 12 years that I've personally owned it lol. If I can get the parts I need to fix it for $44 I'll be even happier!!!! Is it even possible to get ahold of genuine factory winchester parts or is that not a possibility at all?

Also is it possible to still go out and buy ammo for this rifle or will I have to have it custom made?

Thanks again for all your help you guys I'm so excited right now to actually get this thing going I had given up on it for years but now I feel like there's hope lol.

 

[Jim Watson]

David C. is a good place to start. There are a number of other gunsmiths serving Cowboy Action Shooting by working on both original and reproduction 1873s, your gun is fixable.
Ask around on the SASS Wire
http://sassnet.com/forums/index.php?showforum=12

.38 WCF (.38-40) is not scarce, probably the second most common caliber in the model. True, a distant second after .44 WCF but way ahead of .32 WCF.

Ammunition is available... sometimes. Most brands out of stock at Midway, but someplace to check with.
http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/Bro...3&categoryId=7544&categoryString=653***690***
I recommend one or another of the lead bullet "cowboy" loads, they will be easier on your pre-nickel steel barrel.