I am looking for a 1873 winchester 44/40, octogon bbl. Any of you guys got one ratholed somewhere? It would have to be in restorable condition. In other words not pitted beyond what i could get under by resurfacing it would have to be free of dings that would be impossible to get out. Wood doesn't matter. I will restock it anyway. the barrel? I can reline it, but would like to not have to. I understand that unless you get quite a nice one that old black powder takes its toll. I would like to have some pictures that are close enough that I can see details, etc. It would be hard to buy one of these without looking at it, but maybe I can get some idea whether I would lke t pursue it further. Thanks

Ron S

Ron Smith
4/11/2007 6:11:10 PM

Ron,
I would think in your neck of the woods that local gun shows would be the place to look. Why 1873s are an everyday item anymore the 44-40 was one of the most common and what you need for refinishing might be a lot easier to find than a nice original. I even think there is a lot of barrels available. Lacking that, you need to talk to Rabeno. He seems to love those old Winchesters more than anyone and may have a source.

Rex Pedersen
4/11/2007 7:28:40 PM

HEY..don't look at me guys for a 73. The last time I sold one to Ron, he went bananas and turned it into a darn masterpiece. Actually I do have one with a 30 inch barrel that I will be playing with in the next few years. After I finish engraving my Colt SAA "Girlie Gun". I don't know of any other 73's around at the moment Ron.

Martin Rabeno
4/11/2007 8:30:46 PM

That MUST be Ron Smith of Fort Worth. We met several years ago when I was working for Scott Anderson. Would you please email me, I'd like to ask your advise on what equipment I need as a beginner at firearms engraving.

Oren Truitt o.truitt@att.net

OrenTruitt
4/11/2007 8:33:29 PM

Hi Ron,
There is an auction coming up around north east PA that has a Henry, 6 model 66's and 7 model 73's. I am hoping to get more info, maybe some idea of condition of the guns. Might be something there you would be interested in.

James Wark
4/12/2007 12:08:07 PM

Ron
You might check with Ron Peterson of Peterson Guns in Albqu. N.M. He if anyone in this part of the country would have one and his reputation as being fair and honest is very good with the local gun nuts here.
I have delt with him for over 25 yrs and found him be very fair.
Bob

Bob Bullard
4/12/2007 12:27:51 PM

Rex,
I just gotback from Tulsa show. There was a bunch there, but nothing I could use. Too much rust and dings, etc. I am going to a local show this weekend. Everyone seems to have illusions of granduer, even on the ones that have been altered and not original.

Oh well, will keep looking. thanks for the input.

Hi Oren,
I still don't have my email up yet. I don't know what is going on there, but I am working on it. Whatever happened to Scott? I haven't seen or heard from him in a while. Of course i haven't been out there much either. I have only been attending the reno show.

Marty,
I only want it for something to shoot! :)

Hi James,
If you see somethng there that I don't have to hock my house for let me know. It needs to be in good enough shape that I can get under the rust easily. I would like one that somebody has started to restore, but it needs to be pretty flat and not butchered by the buff. The thing about buying one from an auction is I need to be able to see it or someone would have to know exactly what I needed. This is probably a pipe dream, but I'll keep looking.

Hi Bob,
Thanks for the input. I'll check it out.

Thanks guys!

Ron S






Ron Smith
4/12/2007 12:48:35 PM

Ron,
I did a google search and found Collectors Firearms of Houston (Toll Free(877)214-9327) has several. One in particular looks to be in very good condition: Winchester 1873 .44-40 caliber 1st run of Musket production. Serial number 370xxx range. Antique no FFL required. $2,295.00 Item# W1184 -There are several pictures-Fred Marrinan


Fred Marrinan
4/13/2007 11:14:10 PM

Thanks fred,
Appreciate your attempt to help me. I have looked at a hundred or so by now. I saw the guy you mentioned at a local show today as a matter of fact.
Already checked it out....thanks.
Ron S

Ron Smith
4/14/2007 12:02:00 AM