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Model 1873

boomac
I'm considering the purchase of a Winchester Model 1873 and have a couple questions. On the top of the barrel the marking is .32 Cal. I've seen .32 WCF but not .32 Cal. I'm fairly certain that .32 WCF is 32-20 but would like to confirm the .32 Cal. Could it be 32-40? If so, how would that caliber effect the value of the rifle? Thanks,
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • boomac
    Can anyone recommend a cartridge for a Winchester model 1873 .32 cal. Mfg. in 1888
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  • rufe-snow
    It's a 32-20, if it's a 73. The 32-40 was a much longer cartridge that was chambered in the long action levers such as the 94.
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  • boomac
    Thanks! It looks like Winchester only made the 73 in 44-40, 38-40 and 32-20 so the 32-40 hang tag on this one is incorrect.

    What or how much influence does the caliber have on value; all else being equal?
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  • truthful
    Add 22 rimfire to your caliber list. They tend to be pricey in good condition due to the small number manufactured. For the other calibers, the 44wcf averages the highest cost although it was made in the largest numbers. The Hollywood factor I guess. The 32wcf averages the lowest cost. Conditionwise, you can often find 32wcf guns in pretty good condition for a decent price. The 44wcfs often lived a pretty hard life.
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  • Bert H.
    Hello boomac,

    The caliber marking on that rifle indicates that it is a very early production .32 caliber.

    The Model 1873 was only made in one .32 caliber cartridge... the 32 W.C.F., which is also known as the 32-20.

    As rufe-snow pointed out, the 32-40 is a much larger (longer) cartidge. Winchester chambered the Model 1885 Single Shot Rifle, and the Model 1894 Lever-action in 32-40, and they were always maked "32-40".

    In the Model 1873, the 32 W.C.F. cartridge chambering is the least desirable, therefore it is the cheapest to obtain.
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  • boomac
    Burt - the words "least desirable" and "cheapest to obtain" concern me. Is that just another way of saying the other calibers are more desirable and therefore a bit more pricy?[:D] What do figure the premium is for a 38-40 or a 44-40? 10% or greater?
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by boomac
    Burt - the words "least desirable" and "cheapest to obtain" concern me. Is that just another way of saying the other calibers are more desirable and therefore a bit more pricy?[:D] What do figure the premium is for a 38-40 or a 44-40? 10% or greater?


    Yes, it is another way of saying that the other calibers are more desirable. The premium for an identical condition & configuration 44 WCF versus a 32 WCF is much greater than 10%... more like 50%. What I was attempting to relate to you, is do not pay a premium price for the rifle you are looking at. Most Model 1873s out there in 32 WCF are well under the $2K value mark.
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  • boomac
    Thanks Burt. That's a significant difference and after thinking about it, a 44-40 would better suit my purpose. Unless they make me an offer I can't refuse I'll continue stashing the rat-hole money until I come across an example in a more preferred caliber!
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