Barrel for Winchester ?73 Carbine

[classicist]

I have the receiver and many of the small parts for a second model 1873 saddle ring carbine. My goal is to build a complete rifle. Over the past few months, I?ve had success tracking down most of the internals, side plates, furniture, magazine, etc., all at pretty reasonable prices. I don?t have much money into it, but I do have a lot of time in parts fitting.

In any event, I?ve so far failed to find a barrel. Anyone have a lead on a 20? round carbine barrel for an original second model 1873? Original is ideal, but I?d happily take a reproduction. I want to shoot this thing, so condition is important. Anyone know a gunsmith who?ll make a barrel, dovetailed for sights, etc.?

I am also looking for the dust cover rail, if anyone has any idea. I might have a family member with a mill make one if all else fails.

Thanks in advance,
Bryan

[classicist]

I should add that it?s a large caliber gun. But I?ll take either .38-40 or .44-40.

[870classic]

Check these guys out. http://www.winchesterbarrels.com/sto...p_Sellers.html
Not cheap, but looks to be good quality. Also reach out to Trap55 on this forum for ideas.

Best regards,
870classic

[smle-man]

I had an original 1873 that had an original 1892 barrel screwed into it with a new extractor cut made. Not advising but someone did it may years ago

[TRAP55]

Check these guys out. http://www.winchesterbarrels.com/sto...p_Sellers.html
Not cheap, but looks to be good quality. Also reach out to Trap55 on this forum for ideas.

Best regards,
870classic

I'll bet that's who's making the replacement barrels that Homestead sells. Couple I've seen look like NOS Winchester barrels. I'm seeing more and more old Winchesters being parted out, and sold on ebay, because they can make more parted out, than they can as a functioning rifle.
Don't even think about using something from one of the Italian repros, nothing is the same size, and it's all metric anyhow.
Most any original barrels you find, will look like micro groove rifling. Too many jacketed bullets shot through black powder barrels.
Winchester was a little slow with nickle steel barrels when smokeless powders got started. Even the early 1894's continued with BP barrels in the 32/40 and 38/55, well into the last century.
In short, finding a good original barrel is going to be extremely rare. Really only two two choices, a repro, or have it lined, and Round barrel Carbines don't have enough barrel wall thickness to line.

[classicist]

Thanks for the responses. I figured I was already in for a reproduction barrel, but thought I?d try my chances. I knew that some gunsmiths did not line carbine barrels, but was unaware that it was due to wall thickness. It makes sense.

I checked Homestead, from whom I?ve bought some small parts I couldn?t source at a gun show or elsewhere; Homestead doesn?t have anything in stock.

Also, I reached out to the maker that 870classic recommended (thanks for that), and am awaiting a call back.

Bryan

[870classic]

Thanks for the responses.

Also, I reached out to the maker that 870classic recommended (thanks for that), and am awaiting a call back.

Bryan

You're quite welcome. Let me know how it goes. I have a friend that has an 1894 Winchester, manufactured pre-1899 that would like to get it rebarreled.

Best regards,
870classic.