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1873 winchester 44-40

staind460
i just got hold of a 1873 winchester 44-40.

it was up in the attic for quite a while and is very rusty, i want to have it cleaned and refurbished.

can anyone help with what it might caust to have it refurbished or if i can clean it up my self

any help would be appreciated
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6 comments

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  • Bert H.
    staind460...

    This is a really tough question to give you a simple answer on, but here goes...

    Generally speaking, it is never a good idea to attempt to clean up an old original firearm unless you know exactly what you are doing. That said, you do not want to leave active rust on it either. My recommendation (at least to start with), is to carefully remove the wood stocks, and then apply a liberal coat of gun oil to the rusty area(s).

    The Model 1873s were made in several variations (and with many different special order options)... some of which can be VERY valuable. So, before going any further with this, it would be of great benefit if you would describe your 1873 in great detail (to help me identify which variant you have). Please include the followin information;

    1. Serial number (this will determine the DOM and which version it is)
    2. Barrel length (standard is 24" for rifles, 20" for Carbines, 30" for a Musket)
    3. Barrel shape (normally octagon for Rifles, round for Carbines & Muskets)
    4. Plain trigger or set
    5. Pistol grip buttstock or straight grip
    6. Deluxe wood or plain grain
    7. Type of sights
    8. Type of finish on the frame (blued or case color hardened)

    This information will help pin down what you have, and will aid in determining if it is worth the cost for a full restoration, or just a simple clean up.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • staind460
    the rifle is in pretty bad codition unfortunatly

    but i can tell ya this
    -the no. 106** apears behind the lever catch
    (asuming this is the serial no.)
    -the barrel is round and aprox 23.5 inches long
    -the butt stock is of a strait grip style
    - the majority of the metal has turned to a brown patina or is rusted
    over
    -the rear sight is a simple leaf style (looks like a circle with a chunk
    out of it) . . sorry for the bad desription
    -am unsure as to the type of trigger it has (not familiar with the
    terms you presented)
    - the wood on the foregrip and stock is dark brown probably of plain grain
    - the rifle also sports a dust cover over the ejection port
    -the loading port is

    sorry i can't give ya any more info but the rifle is in pretty poor shape and i am unfamiliar with the rifles
    have a number of other rifles and pistols but am not an expert by any means

    thanks for the help
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  • Bert H.
    Hmmm...

    Yes, that is the correct location for the serial number. If the serial number is really only five digits, and is in the 10,000 range, you have a First Model Rifle... which is quite rare. Only the first 30,000 or so of the 720,000+ Model 1873s were First Models. The barrel length is actually 24" (I am willing to bet that you did not measure the portion of the barrel that is threaded into the frame).

    A set trigger will have a tiny adjusting screw directly behind the trigger, and is most often found on a deluxe Rifle. From what you have provided thus far, what you have is a standard Sporting rifle.

    This rifle still has considerable value... so I urge the utmost caution in what, or anything, that you might do to it... if you are not sure of what you are doing, please don't do it, because you will more than likely degrade its value. My best recommendation to you, is to either have it properly restored (and not by just a local gunsmith), or sell it as is, and let the eventual owner/collector who buys it deal with having it cleaned-up/restored. Until then, put a real good coat of gun oil on it to smother any active oxidation (rust). The cost of a true restoration is not cheap... at least $2K, but would be cost effective on your Model 1873. If you decide to go that route let me know, and I can put you in touch with the best Winchester restoration specialist in this country.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • SP45
    When you say rust it depends on if it just surface rust or if it has eaten into the metal. There are products that will remove surface rust without harming the remaining finish. There is a world of difference in refinishing and restoring. A exact restoration will be very costly and may not be what you are looking for. A good cleaning without altering what is left in origionality may be the first step and then evaluate the gun after that. Contact me directly and I will try to help. SP0045@earthlink.net
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  • staind460
    Bert H.

    thanks for all the help. much appreciated

    can i get the info for the restoration guy . . . for future consideration
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by staind460
    Bert H.

    thanks for all the help. much appreciated

    can i get the info for the restoration guy . . . for future consideration


    Bryan... you have mail

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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