Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
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- KirkD
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Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Yep! I had to sell my 1926 vintage Winchester Model 53 32-20 and my original Winchester Model 1873 38-40, but it was for a good reason. I had the opportunity to purchase an original Winchester 1873 44-40 in very nice condition and the only way to swing it was to sell those two rifles.
I never thought I'd ever own such a beautiful example of an original '73. Here's the info:
Serial number applied to receiver: May 28, 1889
Date received in the warehouse: August 1, 1889
Type: Rifle
Caliber: 44
Barrel: Round
Trigger: Plain
Date shipped: September 18, 1889
Order: 2378
Boys, I am happy. This 123 year-old Winchester still has most of its blue and a shiny mint bore. I can hardly wait to get it to the range to see how the old timer shoots. I took a few photos at lunch today and here is the new addition to my small collection of, now, just six original Winchesters ....
I never thought I'd ever own such a beautiful example of an original '73. Here's the info:
Serial number applied to receiver: May 28, 1889
Date received in the warehouse: August 1, 1889
Type: Rifle
Caliber: 44
Barrel: Round
Trigger: Plain
Date shipped: September 18, 1889
Order: 2378
Boys, I am happy. This 123 year-old Winchester still has most of its blue and a shiny mint bore. I can hardly wait to get it to the range to see how the old timer shoots. I took a few photos at lunch today and here is the new addition to my small collection of, now, just six original Winchesters ....
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
- AJMD429
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
BEEUTIFUL...!
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"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
What a gem, Kirk. Now I understand your reasoning for doing what you did.
"Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage morale, and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested, exiled or hanged"....President Abraham Lincoln
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
That is a beauty. Let us know how it shoots.
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
In the words of my 16yr old son... "Sweet!"
- Old Time Hunter
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Thanks for sharing Kirk, absolutely stunning...hope it shoots as well as it looks.
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Wow that`s a beauty Kirk, grats.
Because I Can, and Have
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God Bless America.
Disclaimer, not responsible for anyone copying or building anything i make.
Always consult an expert first.
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USAF-72-76
God Bless America.
Disclaimer, not responsible for anyone copying or building anything i make.
Always consult an expert first.
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Kirk, I reckon that you are proud of that beauty, man what a find!!That thing must have been kept in a sock in the top dresser drawer, probably not but it sure is pretty.
JerryB II Corinthians 3:17, Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
JOSHUA 24:15
JOSHUA 24:15
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Wow! That is some rifle!
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
wow,...thats a dandy!.. Congrats.....
too bad it cost ya two of your shooters....
but well worth it in my opinion!
That is an awesome piece of history!
too bad it cost ya two of your shooters....
but well worth it in my opinion!
That is an awesome piece of history!
LETS GO SHOOT'N BOYS
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
WOW! that is one beautiful old Winchester, congratulations.
Whatever you do always give 100%........... unless you are donating blood.
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
in the words of Mack
sweet...
sweet...
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
That is a highly acceptable excuse for letting two other rifles go. Very nice piece!
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
As he said in "dances with wolves".....Good trade!
Mike Johnson,
"Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot
"Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot
- Shasta
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
That is indeed a real beauty, Kirk. I often wonder how it came to be that the old Winchesters such as your new rifle so completely escaped use. I'm glad you intend to shoot it some. Congratulations on your find, you will make a good caretaker for it!
SHASTA
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- KirkD
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
It's gonna get shot good, and then it's gonna bag me a deer just in case in has never done that before. It would never do to own a vintage Winchester that has never brought home the game.Shasta wrote: I'm glad you intend to shoot it some. Congratulations on your find, you will make a good caretaker for it!
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Truly KirkD, that looks like the rifle many of us spend a lifetime looking for, and praying we can afford it if we ever find it. I glad it is one that you feel you can shoot and enjoy. I envy you!
- KirkD
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Mack, I feel the same way. I got it from a friend who gave me a phenomenal deal on it, otherwise, I could only dream about owning such a beautiful '73. In my opinion, it is an undeserved blessing from the Lord. I will be shooting and hunting with it, but I always take care not to harm it and keep it waxed with Conservator's Wax.
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
- kimwcook
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Too bad you had to sacrifice two for one, but I truly understand. What an extremely lucky find. Better go buy a lottery ticket.
Old Law Dawg
- KirkD
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Heh, heh! After buying that '73, I ain't got any more money for a lotto ticket! (just kidding). I've got just enough left over to buy a well used Model 1892 32-20 to complete my collection.kimwcook wrote:What an extremely lucky find. Better go buy a lottery ticket.
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
- Ysabel Kid
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
+1 - WOW! Another great find!rjohns94 wrote:As he said in "dances with wolves".....Good trade!
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
that's exactly what i thouight...i think that was well worth the trade...lucky... :)AJMD429 wrote:BEEUTIFUL...!
- Griff
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Oh my!
Griff,
SASS/CMSA #93
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GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Over the years Kirk, your acumen for antiquities have been a pleasure to behold. Thank you for sharing them.
Looking forward to the range report.
Looking forward to the range report.
- ving-thorr
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Wow, gorgeous! That's in better shape than alot of 94s I see!
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
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The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
Psalms 27:1
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Geezer, you are a man after my own heart. I also wouldn't own a Winchester that can't be afield, regardless of condition or rarity. They are merely machines built to do a job and to dishonor them by keeping them in the back of a safe does neither machine or man any good.
"Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage morale, and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested, exiled or hanged"....President Abraham Lincoln
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Very nice!!!
- Old Savage
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Very nice - well now, an old rifle that I find very interesting.
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Wow, that's great, Kirk! Don't believe I ever saw an 1873 in such fine condition!
Have you hugged your rifle today?
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Not at all jealous.... Nope, not one bit!
I´d propably throw a fit if I saw the pricetag on one of these here in Sweden...
Really nice looking rifle you got hold of, congratulations!
I´d propably throw a fit if I saw the pricetag on one of these here in Sweden...
Really nice looking rifle you got hold of, congratulations!
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Wow....
simply...
Wow...!!
Glad to see it's not gonna live in a glass case without use.
simply...
Wow...!!
Glad to see it's not gonna live in a glass case without use.
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
But......but......but you sold the 38-40?
Nice
Gobbler
Nice
Gobbler
Click Click Boom
- Borregos
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
That is really nice Kirk, glad you got it, looking forward to your load testing!
Pete
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
- KirkD
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Yes. I confess I did.... but I feel bad about not having a 38-40 right now. I'm holding on to my 38-40 dies, mould and brass just in case .... First priority, though, is to get a 32-20. My girls just love the 32-20 cartridge and they were very sad to see me sell my Model 53.Gobblerforge wrote:But......but......but you sold the 38-40?
Nice
Gobbler
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
WOW!
Sincerely,
Hobie
"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend." Robert Louis Stevenson
Hobie
"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend." Robert Louis Stevenson
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
It just feels good to hold it right? Have a ball. RR7
"That'll Be The Day"
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
That is a gorgeous rifle. I keep scrolling back up to look at the CC on the hammer... I am glad that you intend on shooting it and especially to hunt with it. To paraphrase MikeD; it would be a dishonor not to.
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
that rifle is so pretty it makes me bleed
Last edited by bdhold on Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:22 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
I do that a lot!! because guns with that cond. are pricey ... out of my cash flow but if you really want it losing two for one is still worth it...
that gun could not have a better home i am happy for you!
^
7
that gun could not have a better home i am happy for you!
^
7
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Beautiful rifle...wow. Thanks for sharing.
Can't wait to see your range report. Are you planning on loading any blackpowder rounds for the old girl?
Can't wait to see your range report. Are you planning on loading any blackpowder rounds for the old girl?
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
What a great rifle. Congratulations!
Chad
Chad
- KirkD
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
I'll just be using smokeless powder in this old rifle, but loaded to just a little less than original BP pressures and with original velocities. I was checking some of my data this morning for 44-40 loads that I have developed. I'm planning to try out some IMR SR4759 and 5744 loads under a soft cast RCBS 200 grain bullet sized to .429. Next week, weather permitting, I'm taking it to the range.Martini450 wrote:Can't wait to see your range report. Are you planning on loading any blackpowder rounds for the old girl?
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
That's mighty fine and no doubt that you wanted it bad to sell two others to buy it. I trust your call on that. We here are working men who must make our moves carefully. Some times when that "certain something" comes along we have to sell what we got to get what we want. I think that makes us move carefully and makes us really appriciate what we have. Enjoy.
Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Gorgeous! And I also like that it's a round barrel - my favorite rifles.
Last edited by gak on Fri Mar 30, 2012 10:49 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Now That is the 73 of my dreams and an SRC to boot! Drool...
"IT IS MY OPINION, AND I AM CORRECT SO DON'T ARGUE, THE 99 SAVAGE IS THE FINEST RIFLE EVER MADE IN AMERICA."
WIL TERRY
WIL TERRY
- Borregos
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Will be very interested in your SR4759 loads as to how they perform, might give me something to try in my old Marlin 1889
Pete
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
- KirkD
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Now a Marlin 1889 in 44-40 is a very nice rifle to have as well.
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
- Borregos
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Mine is not that purty though!! Even thiugh it is three years youngerKirkD wrote:Now a Marlin 1889 in 44-40 is a very nice rifle to have as well.
Pete
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
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Re: Had to sell a couple of old Winchesters (photos)
Sorry I just can't get all in a tizzy about this '73.....of all the Levers Kirk has took pic's of nothing comes close to Miss May 2011 from His Calender .........only 5,304 made and in 45-70.what a piece of work. . Oh and for those who don't know it's a Marlin 1895 half octagon,pistol grip takedown,shipped March 15, 1899.....................................