Askin 4 help identifying Win. finger lever 1860/1866/1873?

[5thCavalry]

Hello, I'm new in here - Name is John from Mass. I have been rebuilding a 1st model Win 1873 SRC a while now - I acquired it as someone's abandoned *project* and have been picking up original parts for it whenever I come across them (mainly internals, a dust cover, and most recently- a Finger Lever, which is the base of this topic)

A while ago I acquired this finger lever from a fellow out west (Arizona or New Mexico, can't recall now) that had an old gun shop buyout box labeled M1860 Henry/M1866 parts (now all sold, but it had a lever in it and I bought it thinking if a 66, it should be a match for my early 73). The thing is - In person, it does not look to me to be the lever I need for my 73' 1st model - When fitted in my receiver/tang- It doesn't seem to quite line up/level up as I expect to see in any 73'1st model picture. The loop hole is much smaller than expected - The measurements do not match to anything in books (Pirkle for example) for a 66 or 73. I'm looking for opinions from the community as to what it may actually fit. Then - It may end up in the WTT section later, as I may be looking for another lever....

For a mention- My 73'src 1st lower tang has no serial number -never did when acquired -Not worn and not ground off - It does not have a set trigger - I'm just assuming, if original, it was sent back for a repair and came back with a replaced unnumbered tang as most we read about often were. But- The tang does have a left side stamping "X 1101" on it, indicating, I assume, it once probably had better grade wood (due to the X?); the stock it came with is old/vintage/unrefinished/no checkering/no sanding/no cleaning/no repairs with a "278" stamped on upper tang channel and matching "278" stamped in bottom of inside the trapdoor but plate (looks like the previous guy may have cleaned/cold blued that butt plate... it's too fresh looking.. at least he didn't polish the %%% out of the brass slider!!. The barrel on the receiver is a newer plain repro no address 20" .44wra Numrich-type, looks like one of their older replacements when they were actually called Numrich (that will go too once I locate a decent replacement).

Pictured here for size reference is also a 1873 3rd model finger lever.

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/4/5/1/3/ ... 9734_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/4/5/1/3/ ... 9781_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/4/5/1/3/ ... 9835_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/4/5/1/3/ ... 9865_o.jpg

[Art Pirkle's Vol.1 (1866,73,76) indicates two sizes for the M1866 Winchester Finger Lever - The 1st type finger lever, up to serial #101,000, had an inside loop of 2-1/4" x 25/32";
Later models, the inside dimensions were 2-9/32" x 1.0"]

The inside dimensions of my new finger lever are 2-12/32" x 22/32" (measured inside at the ends since there is a slight bow in the middle).

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[Part of my current collection consists of *several* (mostly) Win. 1873 & 92 rifles, a 76' in 45-75, and a Marlin 1892/.22 & 1889/.38-40 as well; some complete, others need a few replacement parts; And lastly- Pop's handed down 1947 dated Model 12-12g and a 290-.22]
[All my previous old rifles and side arms from the past 30+ years [Colts, Springfield's, Maynard's, Remington's, etc., from oddball flintlocks up to WW2 military take-homes] were traded off loooong ago when moving between other collecting interests, 2 kids' college needs, engine & home repairs, life in general - Slowly getting caught up and enjoying the hobby again] - Best regards - John
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[pwl44m]

First off, "Welcome" to the Forum.
There is a distinct difference in the levers, the finger lever catch being one and the curve in the bottom. Looks like maybe it has been bent causing the diff in the radius,U never know where these old Guns have been. Sounds like You are doing a frame off resto. Ebay is a good source for 73 parts,lots on there right now but I'm sure U are aware. I'm actually considering tearing Mine down and listing the parts. From what I'm seeing it would bring more than trying to sell it.
Any how Welcome and good luck in Ur parts search.
Perry

[gamekeeper]

Welcome to the fire.. interesting first post.

[Griff]

, and Welcome to THE Forum.

I'm not sure I quite understand your question. None of the 1866s had a trigger block safety that I recall; and ALL 1873s did. Pete44ru or MikeD will probably chime ins, they're really the guys "in the know" of that sorta stuff!

It's been WAY too many years since I studied up any that stuff, and I don't collect, just acquire, shoot and tell the wife I'll trade it off later!

[5thCavalry]

Hello Griff - I agree, the M1866 did not have a safety. There are two levers I show in pictures, the M1873 3rd type is only for size comparison (top lever) to the smaller lever in question (bottom lever). The top lever has the forward piece just behind the trigger loop that will engage the safety of the typical 3rd model 1873; the bottom lever lacks that extra piece of metal as would be normal on a M1866 or early M1873 - I'm just trying to iron out what the bottom lever belonged to/could have belonged to since its dimensions did not add up to what I can only quote from Art Pirkle Vol.1 pg p20 or p73. Thanks much - John

[Pete44ru]

Welcome to the fire, John !

Yer gonna need it t'day - fer the snow we're expectin' tonite in New England.

JMO, but I suspect you've a Model 1860 Henry lever there, but I'm not sure, since it's been over 45 years since I've had my paws on one.



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