Description

Desirable Special Order!

Winchester collectors or enthusiasts will know the Model 1873 was primarily offered with standard configurations & lengths with the round barrel with a full magazine being common.

This specific combination indicates a custom configuration, making it scarcer than a standard model. Any deviation from the standard, such as a custom barrel shape or magazine length was a special order feature from the Winchester factory & is far less common than the standard rifles making them very sought after in Winchester collector circles, but you’d know that if you’re reading this.

The half-round/half-octagon barrel you see on this rifle was a desirable, non-standard feature offered by Winchester as a special order, as was the short magazine.

What was known as the ‘half magazine’ was an option often chosen by hunters, presumably to keep the weight down & because they know they may get a second & occasionally a third shot off but no more when hunting so there was just no need for a full length magazine in these scenarios.

The half-round, half-octagon barrel (often just called half-octagon) & half-magazine were not standard configurations; they were special-order options from the factory. True factory special-order features add significantly to the value & rarity of an antique Winchester.

One survey of over 14,000 rifles noted only about 760 were half-magazines.

Many enthusiasts & shooters find the half-octagon barrel (octagonal at the breech, round towards the muzzle) aesthetically pleasing & believe it offers a good balance, combining the classic “style and grace” of an octagon barrel with a slightly lighter weight forward.

While some collectors might not specifically seek out this configuration, many are drawn to special-order features due to their rarity & the story behind them. 

This rifle was part of a deceased estate which included a large & quite extensive Winchester collection which we are trying to re-home with a Winchester collector who knows the value this represents.

We are not going to try & rate the condition out of 100 as everyone seems to have a different opinion on what the percentages should be, so we’ll let the pictures be the description. You will know if this is for you so view the photos carefully & make your decision based on what you see as they form the main description & override all written information. Ask for more if desired.

We think we have described it accurately & correctly but do not claim to be infallible so if we have got anything wrong, it is unintentional.

Whilst we check these out for serviceability, the warranty has expired & this is sold on an ‘as is’ basis. As with all used guns, we recommend you have this checked by a suitably qualified person prior to shooting.

Standard cost for shipping to metro locations is $75 & all guns are sent via StarTrack without insurance but packed very well.