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Gun identification help... #5830147 07/13/15 06:02 PM
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Son of a Blitch Offline OP
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I've got a .44 WCF lever action rifle that belonged to my great grandfather (posted a pic of him a couple weeks ago) - and I want to confirm what I think it is...a Winchester model 1873, from 1892. If anyone can help me to confirm this, I'd greatly appreciate it. Working on writing an article about my great grandfather and want to make sure I can get all my facts straight.

Based on pics I've seen and the serial number #450XXX, I think I'm on the right track, but very unfamiliar with older lever actions.

Also, if I was to send some lead downrange with this rifle, what ammo would you suggest I do this with. I want to punch some paper, and would love to put an animal down on our ranch (hog or deer), and have this rifle complete the task for the 4th generation in my family.










Thanks for any help with this...

PS - a cool side note story about this rifle...we had a house fire that we thought destroyed this rifle at our ranch in the 40's, along with the pistol of the same caliber (will post pics when I get them from my uncle). Turns out for some reason our neighbor had this rifle in his possession shortly before the fire and about 15-20 years ago, he came across them in a closet and returned it to my family. We thought this treasure was long gone. Don't think my uncle had fired it since it was returned. The pistol needs some doctoring by a gunsmith, but the rifle is ready to be fired, from what I know. I should have a chance to do so later this fall. Very excited about that.


George Blitch
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Re: Gun identification help... [Re: Son of a Blitch] #5830239 07/13/15 07:22 PM
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DiverTexas Offline
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Looks like serial #'s from 1892 ranged from 441625 through 466640.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/support/fi...d-Documents.pdf

Re: Gun identification help... [Re: Son of a Blitch] #5831068 07/14/15 04:23 AM
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NDN98 Offline
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Cool gun

Re: Gun identification help... [Re: Son of a Blitch] #5831076 07/14/15 04:31 AM
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That's an 1892 not an 1873. It was made in 1908. Notice the difference in the receiver, lever, and angle of the grip.

1892


1873



Originally Posted by unclebubba
Just to make sure that it is done thoroughly, I go both ways.

Re: Gun identification help... [Re: Son of a Blitch] #5831806 07/14/15 07:41 PM
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TexFlip - I think you are the winner! Thanks for the info!!!


George Blitch
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Re: Gun identification help... [Re: Son of a Blitch] #5831906 07/14/15 08:31 PM
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Anybody have any ammo recommendations? Apparently there is some VERY OLD ammo that has been kept with the gun, but I'd probably prefer to get some new ammo.


George Blitch
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"Keep your aim as true as your word" - GB
Re: Gun identification help... [Re: Son of a Blitch] #5832007 07/14/15 09:28 PM
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Post a video of your trip at the firing range.


"I can't be over gunned because the animal can't be over dead"-Elmer Keith
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Re: Gun identification help... [Re: Son of a Blitch] #5832024 07/14/15 09:34 PM
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44 WCF is the same as 44-40, you can purchase any modern ammo and should be safe in this action. Not sure if Buffalo Bore produces this round but if they do steer clear of it. Look for Remington or other factory manufactre


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Re: Gun identification help... [Re: Son of a Blitch] #5832034 07/14/15 09:39 PM
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By a cowboy load for it, they're typically downloaded.


Originally Posted by unclebubba
Just to make sure that it is done thoroughly, I go both ways.

Re: Gun identification help... [Re: Son of a Blitch] #5832182 07/14/15 11:26 PM
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Yes, make sure the ammo is for the older rifles (reduced load for older rifles), and not some of the modern one's. If you get ammo that is too hot, that would not be good for this rifle.


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