Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present one of the most famous lever-action rifles in American history, for a penny-start auction; this is the Winchester Model 1873!
Early Winchester Model 1873 rifles were originally produced only in .44 caliber, and as such, lacked caliber markings. However, with the introduction of additional chamberings like the .38 WCF in 1879—a lighter-recoiling alternative to the .44-40 WCF suited for small game and personal defense—markings were added to indicate caliber. These can typically be found on the barrel just forward of the receiver and on the brass elevator. Serial numbers were stamped sequentially on the lower tang, with letter suffixes such as “A” and “B” appearing between serial numbers 80,000 and 200,000, though their exact significance remains unclear. Tang markings also evolved: the earliest rifles were unmarked on the upper tang and instead had “Model 1873” stamped near the serial number on the lower tang, but after serial number 350, the model designation moved to the upper tang, where it remained for the duration of the production run. The rifle in question appears to have an incomplete or worn serial number, making precise identification more difficult.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial: 1306B (Part of the Serial Number Appears to be Unreadable)
Caliber: .38 WCF (.38-40 Win.)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 24" Octagon Barrel
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade Front with Elevator Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Straight Grip Stock and Forearm
Action: Lever-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Winchester Model 1873, introduced by Winchester Repeating Arms in 1873, is one of the most famous lever-action repeating rifles in American history — often called “The Gun That Won the West.” What set it apart at introduction was its chambering for the new Winchester Center Fire cartridge, notably the .44-40 WCF (also called .44-40 Winchester), which allowed rifle and revolver users to share the same ammunition — a big advantage on the frontier. Over time, other chamberings were added, including .38-40 and .32-20, plus a rimfire .22 version beginning in 1884. The rifle was made in many variants — with round, octagonal or half-octagon barrels, in different barrel lengths (for example, carbine versions with shorter barrels, “sporting rifles” with ~24-inch barrels, even musket-length barrels), with different stock styles, sights, and decorative options. The receiver material changed too: early on the receiver was of iron, later switched to steel for greater strength. It was in continuous production until about 1919 (some sources say until 1923), with over 720,000 units made.
Model: 1873
Serial: 1306B (Part of the Serial Number Appears to be Unreadable)
Caliber: .38 WCF (.38-40 Win.)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 24" Octagon Barrel
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade Front with Elevator Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Straight Grip Stock and Forearm
Action: Lever-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Winchester Model 1873, introduced by Winchester Repeating Arms in 1873, is one of the most famous lever-action repeating rifles in American history — often called “The Gun That Won the West.” What set it apart at introduction was its chambering for the new Winchester Center Fire cartridge, notably the .44-40 WCF (also called .44-40 Winchester), which allowed rifle and revolver users to share the same ammunition — a big advantage on the frontier. Over time, other chamberings were added, including .38-40 and .32-20, plus a rimfire .22 version beginning in 1884. The rifle was made in many variants — with round, octagonal or half-octagon barrels, in different barrel lengths (for example, carbine versions with shorter barrels, “sporting rifles” with ~24-inch barrels, even musket-length barrels), with different stock styles, sights, and decorative options. The receiver material changed too: early on the receiver was of iron, later switched to steel for greater strength. It was in continuous production until about 1919 (some sources say until 1923), with over 720,000 units made.
In terms of performance and legacy, the Model 1873 has many strong positives but also some compromises. Its lever-action mechanism was well-proven, providing reasonably fast follow-up shots for the period, and the tubular magazine under the barrel held many rounds (depending on caliber and barrel length), making it effective for ranch work, hunting, and defense. The sharing of common revolver ammo (.44-40 or .38-40) was a practical feature for frontier dwellers who often carried a revolver and rifle both. The design was light enough to be carried over rough terrain, yet rugged enough to endure rough treatment. On the downside, its black powder cartridges, relatively light barrel steels (especially in earlier iron-receiver models), and the lever-action’s tolerances meant that it was not built for high pressure or long-range precision compared to later rifles. The .44-40 ballistics are modest — effective in moderate range, but drop and energy fall off sharply beyond about 100-150 yards. Also, changing barrel options or decorative extras increased cost and sometimes introduced variations in quality. Today, much of the appeal of the Winchester 1873 is in its historical aura, collector value, and role in American culture (in films, literature, etc.), rather than in matching modern rifles for high performance. Still, for its time, it was a landmark in repeating rifle design and remains among the most recognizable firearms ever made.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
