So, I'd like to purchase an original 1873 Winchester. I know what I'm looking for at least.
3rd model
Rifle model
full octagon barrel
full magazine
color case receiver
caliber not really a big deal either 44 or 38 I guess
So where should I start looking? Store, the web or a gun show? I'd like one all original and very clean. Maybe down the road it would go to Turnbull. If it came with a Cody letter even better. I have the Winchester book I need to start reading it. Any advice would be great. Thanks
I’d say all of the mentioned places to look are appropriate.
Gun shops and gun shows take time but sometimes produce the best result (condition and price) if you’re persistent and patient.
For the web, I’d start by going to the Winchester Arms Collectors Association forum and post a WTB ad in the swap meet section of the forum page.
Guns International is another spot to check.
I’m sure some of the big auction houses will have what you’re after but I wouldn’t trust any of their descriptions and would only by a rifle from them if I were able to view it in person.
Another option would be to go strait to Turnbull. Tell him what you want and I’m sure he’d be able to find and/or build you whatever your heart desired.
Off the beaten path Gun/Bait shops, if you can find them.
If you want to bid on-line, there is a heck of a gun auction going on RIGHT NOW here in Wisconsin and there are 3 1873’s on the auction. 30 pages of guns on their auction site and 299 guns that I looked at last night. Yoapandyoap.com some outstanding guns in that auction.
You really need to decide what it is that you want. If you want original, you will have to look hard to find a color/case receiver that isn’t a rifle with more special order features and that will increase the price. If you want to go cheap, there really isn’t any way to get what you are looking for.
Turnbull is not original and although he does a good job on his restorations, they are not original and too many times original guns have been wrecked sending them in for a so-called restoration.
Collectors firearms and Leroy Merz have a fair amount of 1873 rifles for sale. Keep looking, googling and searching, eventually you will find one…
Bill Goodman seems to get a fair number of 73s, too. You might call him and tell him what you're looking for.