This is .44-40 caliber M1873 Winchester rates about very good for condition, showing legitimate signs of use, but not abuse. The mechanics are fine and the rifling is fair, though the bore is dark. The receiver shows about 20 percent thin blue-turned-plum brown on the lower portions, with rubbing from handling to silver gray on the higher portions like the sideplate and top, which is matched by the nosecap, as well as the receiver tang and magazine tube, which both show some dark stains well, but are all natural points of contact while handling. The lever shows nice subdued blues. The octagonal barrel shows rubbing to silver gray along the edges, but the flats show some decent blue turned plum brown, in about the same percentage as the receiver. Both sights are in place and the rear buckhorn sight shows some strong blue. The buttplate shows more as brown, with a little freckling, fairly typical for a rifle with use and likely stood up against something to be at hand.  The markings are strong, both the model designation and the serial number 79745, which dates its manufacture to 1881, well within the era of the wild west. The wood shows a good fit to the metal and good color and surface with some scattered darker stains and some old handling dings and scratches. There is a shallow pressure dent on the right forestock and one deeper, vertical scratch on the right buttstock with hairline above it running back from the upper wrist, but nothing unsightly.

This is a well used gun that has not been messed around with or had any “improvements” attempted and would make a great addition to a collection devoted to the “old west.”  [sr] [ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!