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winchester 1873 parts

win1906
im trying to build a 73 winchester 32-20 third model.i was wondering if the parts like toggels,lever,side plates,sprigs,spring cover,firing pin are the same for all calibers.
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  • Bert H.
    Most of the parts you mentioned are the same as those found on the 38 WCF and 44 WCF guns, but there are a number of parts that are not interchangeable. Keep in mind that the receiver/frame for the 32 WCF rifles is not the same as the larger caliber rifles.
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  • glabray
    There are a number of parts that differ for the .32s compared to the .38s and .44s. Also, some parts from earlier guns differ from later ones while other parts are the same. Here are a few examples:

    The main model designator for an 1873 is the dust cover and the way it is attached. Some early guns had no dust cover as in the 1866. Most of these were sent to South America and saw very rough service. First models had the cover sliding in grooves in the frame. Second models had the cover riding on a screwed on center rail. Third models had a similar cover riding on a rail machined into the receiver. Obviously you need a cover that goes with your model. Caliber doesn't matter here.

    Butt Plate: The .32 models did not have a trapdoor in the buttplate as the .38s and .44s had. If you can't find a genuine 1873 buttplate, one from a model 1892 should work but it will be of a thinner metal than an original 1873.

    Buttstock: Is unique to the 1873 with a more gradual transition from the wrist to the comb than in the 1892.

    Receiver: Receivers for .32s start at around SN 81,000. Receivers for .32s and .38s have a small step milled into the very front top of the receiver. Most .44s don't have this step, but many of the .44s from late production do have the step. A .32 receiver has a smaller hole for the magazine tube by about 1/8 inch. Sideplates and toggle links are the same.

    Breech Bolt: The .32 version differs from that for the .38 and .44. The firing pin is also different. Also, early firing pins do not fit in a later gun.

    Extractor: The .32 extractor is different than that for the .38 and .44. A .32 extractor can be made to work in the larger caliber guns but an extractor from a .38 or .44 will not work in a .32.

    The carrier block, front end tip and magazine tube of a .32 of course differ from those in a .38 or .44 gun. You should be able to make a magazine tube and follower from an 1892 work in your 1873.

    Your best bet would be to try and get parts from a .32 model gun with a SN close to that of your receiver.

    If you intend to shoot the gun, be aware that fitting of the toggle links is ESSENTIAL. The links themselves must carry the force of firing NOT the pins. Improperly fitted links are a main cause for the 1873 reputation of being a weak action.

    Good luck with your project. Sounds like fun.
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