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Winchester 1873 question..

LesWVa
My main go yo FFL guy has a 1873 Winchester manufactured in 1889.

It is in good shape and shoots good. I can get it for $1000.00.

I have saw them with either an A or B after the serial numbers on some and other did not have a letter at all after the serial number.

The question that I have often wondered about these fine rifles is.

Can someone tell me the meaning of the letters and is one more valuable than the other?
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Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • Old-Colts
    It has been a while since I've owned any Model 73's, so you can take this information for what it's worth from my fading memory. Maybe someone else can validate, add to, or correct what I've written.

    I think the Letter "A" at the end of the serial number started in the 89,000 range and signified a parts change; primarily the Dust Cover Guide Rail being integral to the receiver, hence the birth of the 3rd model.

    The letter "B" at the end of the serial number started somewhere near 200,000 and signified another major parts change, but I'm not sure what it was.

    Since both are 3rd models there probably isn't much difference in there value. However, Model 73's manufactured prior to 1899 will be antiques, so their value will be higher for similar condition. So, if you had two Model 73's of like condition, one with the "A" and one with a "B" that is not an antique, the earlier gun will probably bring a premium.
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  • LesWVa
    Thank you for that information Old-Colts.

    The one he has is in the low 3's serial number and has the letter B after it.

    I may go ahead and get it and put it in the safe for later on.
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  • Old-Colts
    I would suggest that you make sure the gun is all original and hasn't been messed with before making the purchase. Also, I'd look on the auction side at Model 73's that have sold and are of comparable condition to the one you are interested in to see if the price is reasonable. The Buffalo Bill Historical Center has records available for most of the Model 73's, so an authenticating letter can be obtained.
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  • Bert H.
    The letters "A" and "B" following the serial number were used by Winchester to denote something other than minor changes to the mechanical features of the Model 1873.

    At least half of the Model 1873s that do not have a letter suffix are First Models, and as such, they are worth a fair bit more $$$$. The "A" suffix first made its appearance on the Second Model 1873, and it is much less common than the "B" suffix marked guns. It is not really the letter that adds value to the gun... it is the specific Model (e.g. First, Second, or Third), the graded condition, the caliber, and special order features (if any) that drive the collector value of the Model 1873. High condition specimens are rare, as are Deluxe Sporting Rifles, as are specimens with several special order features.

    $1000 is an exceptionally good price for a Third Model 44 W.C.F. rifle that is 100% original, functional, and in firing condition. It would also be a very good deal for on in 38 W.C.F., but would only be a decent deal for one in 32 W.C.F.

    The advice to contact the Cody Firearms Museum and obtain a factory letter is appropriate. http://www.bbhc.org/firearms/records.cfm
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