Winchester 1873 advice

[Kelton]

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Beautiful rifle!

I don't know much about these, but if I owned one I would certainly have this framed in my gunroom:

[Springfield45]

Nice looking rifle. It looks like the receiver has been scrubbed. To bad. The original patina would have increased the value.

Numrich gun parts has the sight elevators.

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-manufacturer/winchester/rifles-win/1873?page=5

1. Approx value?
$1500 to $2000 depending if it is in shooting condition.

2. Likely to be ok to shoot?
If it functions properly yes. 32-20 is a low pressure round for the most part.

3. Anything to be done about the bore?
Not really. If you shoot it it may smooth out a little. It will be a bear to clean though.

[TRAP55]

Standard Sporting rifle, rear sight elevator would have been the 3D.
With the exception of the .22 rimfire, the larger the caliber, the larger the value, and the .32 was the smallest of the centerfire chamberings.
Does the buttplate have a trapdoor? If it does, are the cleaning rods present?
Without that, the finish gone, receiver scrubbed, rust pits, bore condition, and post 1/1/99 DOM, I estimate $850 tops.
Headspace/lockup and chamber condition is more of a factor than that bore. FYI...I've seen worse bores that still shot fairly straight.
Soak the bore with a penetrating oil like Kroil, and let it set a few days. Then scrub it with a bronze bore brush. Shoot it, and clean it again.
If it patterns like a shotgun, and/or fouls after a few shots, relining is an option, and won't hurt the value on that one.

http://www.redmansrifling.com/relining_prices.htm

Can you post a pic with the action open, specifically of the bolt face. I want to see if the cartridge support is still intact. It's a small nub that sticks out on the bottom of the bolt face.
One of the chamber area too if you can.
If your serial number falls between 560212 and 564776 it was made in 1902.

[AR22]

Still a good looking 73.

I would soak the bore with PB blaster. It is amazing how well that stuff removes rust and crud. I have tried Kroil and it is not near what PB Blaster can accomplish. After a good soaking, run a brass brush down it start to look much better I believe. I would not even be afraid to put the brush and cleaning rod in a drill and turn it slowly.

Trap is right at the value in his estimate. Relining is a option, I have relined 32-20 Marlin barrels with good success. But I think your bore is salvageable. And religning can be avoided I think. Best not to. As long as the chamber is good yet.

[bigbossman]

Well - the wood fitment looks good and the screws aren't too buggered up, so those are nice pluses.

Clean it and shoot it, see what it does. Use jacketed bullets though.... lead will probably keyhole.

[Kelton]

[TRAP55]

Bolt and chamber look okay. .311-.312, 80-100 grain. Load a dummy round to check for feeding issues, and adjustments. Caution, 73's eject the empty case up and back over your head. When a loaded round gets ejected, it pretty much centers on your forehead. Don't ask how I know this, but I'm told it hurts like hell.
Bottom of the receiver just behind the lifter there are two screws. One sets the spring tension for the lever, one for the cartridge lifter. Clockwise adds tension. Set the lever side where it has just enough to hold the lever to the tang.
Set the lifter side where the lifter just has full range of travel up and down.
When you work the lever, do it like you mean it, and a full stroke. Short stroke it, and you have a jam. Ever notice the bottom of the brass lifters with a bunch of dings? Those are from short strokers trying to clear a jammed round.

[steamerjames]

re: Winchester 73

Well - the wood fitment looks good and the screws aren't too buggered up, so those are nice pluses.

Clean it and shoot it, see what it does. Use jacketed bullets though.... lead will probably keyhole.

[musketjon]

There's a guy in Washington state who bores and relines '73's. The job starts just shy of $400. Might be worth it to check into it. I've got a '73 that's almost a smooth bore. I'm gonna' check into it one of these days when my ship comes in and I get it tied up before it sinks.
Jon

[Kelton]

[Alan Block]

Now you will find out why cowboys had folds in the tops of their hats; to catch the brass!