Beginning a search/education for a Winchester '73 in 38WCF

[kimwcook]

I posted this on the Classifieds and thought it appropriate for General. Hobie, if it doesn't belong here it won't hurt my feelings if you delete it.

While growing up I had a toy Winchester '73 rifle that shot plastic bullets out of a plastic casing. Pretty realistic looking back on it. I've always liked the looks of the '73 and would like to start looking for a rifle in 38 WCF. My question is does anyone know of someone who deals in the old Winchesters that isn't going to want my first borns, first born, in exchange. Realistic pricing, not this over inflated stuff that generally runs on gunsamerica, gunbroker, etc.. Plus, they might deal in trades. Any honest to goodness gunshop. Thanks.

Plus, an education wouldn't hurt me. The differences between the models and which one would be the best, in your opinion. Thanks again.

[Grizzly Adams]

When I responded to your post, I missed that it was in the Classified section. I'll repeat it here.

Hi, Kimwcook.

Prices on the 1873 have jumped a lot in the past couple of years. More money for less rifle than in the past. I have been collecting this model for many years, and they are running away from me - at least example with good condition. My best advice, if you are looking for investment grade examples, would be to buy from good reputable antique arms dealers. Not to say that the occasional bargain does not pop up on the local rake, but a fella can get stuck if he is not aware. Cabella's is not a bad source, if you know what to look for, and they will bargain with you. Second, buy yourself a copy of "Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms, Vol 1", by Arthur Pirkle. It is a paperback, very inexpensive, and very informative. Save the money you will spend on the big Madis Wichester book for that 1873 you want!

The short course on Winchester 1873 models is this: There are three models of the 1873. The primary (not only) difference between the three is in the design of the dust cover. First model receivers contained the dust cover on the inside of the frame in machined slots. The second model has the dust cover rail attached to the top of the frame behind the mortise with screws. On the third model, the dust cover rail is a machined integral part of the top of the receiver. If you keep this in mind, the models are easy to distinguish. By the way, the Uberti repops are based on the third model 1873.

The next big difference between models is price! A first model will cost you many times more than a second, which will in turn cost more than the third model. Third models are by far the most common.

I don't know what your expectations are in terms of price and condition, but if you are looking for a shooter don't overlook the Uberti copies. They are excellent!

Good hunting!

[Sixgun]

Old Law Dawg,
Yes, an education is a must. First, there ain't no cheap pre-war Winchesters. Sometimes you run across an old lady who is selling Pop's guns, but those old ladies are about died out. There---done.

OK, on to business What you are looking for is an 1873 in 38 WCF, that is original, shootable, and so-so (10-30%) on the finish.--------------------
---clean--no serious pitting---Your looking at about 12-18. Big difference between junk and a decent specimen that you would be proud of. I see junk all the time for 5-10---thats what they are-junk. Junk is junk and always will be junk. Period

The problems with '73's is that you just can't go off and buy what you are looking for,...unless you want to pay the bucks- Gunbroker,etc. These things take time and attending lots of gunshows. I run across these guns all the time but snagging one at what you would call a good price and what I call a good price varies---a lot.

Our very own Noah Zark had a decent 73 in 38-40 for sale here about a year ago for 1200. I should have bought it.

Start educating yourself on the 1873, (as to prices, finishes, options, etc.) I'll keep my eyes open and if I see what you are looking for, I'll snag it, but..........don't count on me as 73's are gettin' scarcer than hens teeth. Sometimes I see decent ones every show, then six months without seeing anything.

Remember, life is short, so if you really want one, go pay the price on Guns America etc. You can never really pay too much on a good Winchester as they continue to rise every year. If you see something you like, send me the link and I'll tell you if its decently priced and how the business of "Winchesters" works. You won't get screwed-----------------------Sixgun

[kimwcook]

Sixgun and Grizzly, thanks for the replies. I'm not new to the game of firearms, that said, I'am new to the Winchester '73.

I understand the gunshow adventures and the occassional pawn shop/gun shop find. I put out the question in case there was someone out there that had built a good reputation of dealing in last century rifles and was a good source.

I'm looking for a plain ole shooter in decent shape. Nothing collector or exhibition grade, just a shooter. I'd prefer to find the stocks in good shape, but I could swap them out if they were too bad. I do require the metal to be in good/mechanical operation. Some of the small ancillary pieces I could pick up, correct sights, etc..

I'm just beginning this journey and appreciate all the information. I don't have the $1,000 - 3,000 (what I'm willing to spend) lying around at the moment. I would have to thin the herd or offer something in trade with some boot. But, I've learned to start early looking and educating myself so I'll hopefully be prepared when the occassion arises to make an educated decision when the right oppurtunity hopefully comes along. Thanks.

[kimwcook]

P.S.-Grizzly, I got burnt on Uberti's years ago. I had a Colt SAA clone that the heat treatment wasn't right and it was way too soft. I ended up getting rid of it and I'm leary of getting another copy. I'd prefer an American original, but if I can't find one that I'm happy with I'll consider the Italians.

The one on the Classifieds, the Chaparral '76 in 45-75, looks real nice and I've got to admit I have been drooling over the small picture.

[KirkD]

Kimwcook, I have to first say that the 38 WCF has become one of my favourite cartridges and an original '73 is classic.

As for where to get one of these for fair market value, I've had a good experience with Rock Island Auctions http://www.rockislandauction.com/

I've won three old firearms from them and they were all as described and in each case, I was able to get them for cheaper than normal. Their next auction is in the spring. Once they post their auction catalogue, you can call the fellow and get him to describe the gun you are interested in, in more detail, and he will answer your questions. I found his descriptions to be bang on for the three guns I've won in auction from them. In the meantime, acquaint yourself with the various sites that sell old Winchesters, and monitor the final selling prices for similar '73s on Gunbroker.

[kimwcook]

Thanks, Kirk. Will do.