I guess when I said "I don't really understand your concern" I didn't state what I was thinking very accurately. Actually I understood what you were saying, it was just my poor way of relating that they've been around a long time. They are definitely a weak design compared to a '92 or Marlin '94, but they are very cool.
I once held and tried to trade for a new Winchester model 1873. I don't know when it was made, but they are all old. It still had the cosmoline in the barrel. It was the military musket configuration. I wish I had it now.
