Winchester Model 1873

NOTE: this is an example of a previous customer restoration, and therefore the firearm is not for sale. Please browse the showroom for our current selection of restored, pre-owned, refinished and manufactured firearms.

Introduced by Winchester Repeating Arms Company as an improvement on their Model 1866, the Model 1873’s steel receiver construction meant it could stand up to stronger chamberings compared to its bronze alloy predecessor. The ‘73 was originally chambered in .44-40, the first center fire cartridge which would go on to become immensely popular. This restored example from 1883 is chambered in .38-40 Winchester.

Right around that time, handgun manufacturers like Smith & Wesson and Colt were adopting these same calibers in their offerings as well. For the settler, cowboy, outlaw or lawman who placed a premium on traveling light when on the trail, being able to use the same ammunition in both handguns and long guns became a godsend. This interchangeability is one of the main reasons why the Winchester Model 1873 became known as “The Gun that Won the West.”