1873 2nd MODEL .44-40 WITH EXTRA LONG 28” ROUND BARREL, LETTER, #76XXX, SHIPPED 1881.

Description:
SPECIAL ORDER 1873 2ND MODEL .44-40 WITH EXTRA LONG 28” ROUND BARREL AND FULL MAGAZINE, WINCHESTER LETTER, #76XXX, SHIPPED 1881. This is a nice un-messed with early 1873. According to The Winchester Handbook by Madis, only 1201 1873  rifles have longer than the standard 24” barrels. The Winchester letter verifies the 28" round barrel etc. The receiver is typical 2nd model with dust cover rail held by screws and correct factory filler screw holes where the saddle ring staple would go if the receiver was to be used for a carbine- most 2nd Models have this. The receiver has good very aged blue mixing with plum/brown with original dust cover intact, good blue on the loading gate, exc. screw heads and a mellow uncleaned brass lifter. The barrel and magazine blue has aged to an attractive plum/brown with fine markings and flat top buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and Lyman half-moon with ivory bead front sight. Stock and forearm are fine+ showing only light handling with good wood to metal fit and some light honest saddle wear just ahead of the receiver on the bottom of the forend. Tight mechanically with strong springs and secure half-cock safety. The bore is surprisingly fine with good rifling all the way through.  Looks like some leading in the grooves that ought to brush out. A most attractive 145-year-old special order 1873. Winchester historical letter included.
 

Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: WINCHESTER
Model: 1873 SPECIAL ORDER
Serial Number: 76XXX
Barrel Length: 28" ROUND
Condition: FINE+
Bore Condition: FINE+

Price: $3,450.00