Lever action Winchester question...

[68capturedAK47]

Lvr Actn Winchester model 1873. round barrell carbine as opposed to octagon barrell. good-fair shape. I believe it is .44 cal. What is it worth? only bad was it was missing rear sight, they insert and wedge in place looks like. Saw it at gun show and didn't buy it. was $600. Got the guys business card..from Mobile,AL specializing in civil war era USA guns.

[Steven Mace]

68capturedAK47, its difficult to say what an appropriate value would be on the Winchester Model 1873 you're trying to describe for a few reasons. First, the Model 1873 changed over time, manufactured from 1873-1919, to be classified into three different 'models'. The First Model had a serial number range of 1-1600. There was a Late First Model with a serial number range of 1600-31000. The Second Model had a serial number range of 31000-90000 and the Third Model can be identified with a serial number range above 90000. Each of these 'models' had various design changes that will effect the value. Also, the Model 1873 was offered as either a Rifle(24" barrel), Carbine(20" barrel) or Musket(30" barrel) throughout its years of production. This too affects the possible value. Verifying the serial number and barrel length would be necessary in helping to try to determine a possible value.

Also, I would recommend contacting the people at Buckingham's Antique Winchesters. They specialize in older Winchester parts and should be able to tell you what a rear sight for a Model 1873 will cost. Buckingham's offers a parts & technical schematic catalog for $10.00. Here's their address & phone information:

Buckingham's Antique Winchesters
501 Eaton Brazil Road
Trenton, TN 38382

Phone: 731.559.4169(Days)
731.559.4357(Nights)
731.559.4367(FAX)

Hope this helps!

Steve Mace

[68capturedAK47]

Thanks! Great info to go with. I will call them and get serial # if they still have it. I know it was a round barrell carbine is all. This is an era of C&R that is usually too expensive to collect. Also that I think is why we don't hear more about em. I am so grateful for the info! :D