There is a rusty Winchester 1873 32wcf rifle down at the local shop. 24" octagon barrel. No butt stock and some smaller parts missing. Serial number is 255K range so maybe 1887? Bore needs to be cleaned up. Would you pick it up and slowly get original period parts in about the same condition to get it working?
Winchester 1873 32wcf worth saving?
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If the price is right. I have a few "projects" that are waiting on me to have time for. Like when I get old and fully retired>GI3
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Some parts reproduction are easy to find like the lever links. Basically your buying a receiver...unless its not pitted with most parts, under $250.00 I would pass..... Built small and large frame winchesters...can become expensive. The 32-20 was anemic at best...that frame is set up for lower power rounds...you can't swap Barrels between the 38-40 and 44 -40 and the 25 20 and the 32-20, figure shooting 32-20 or other low pressure ctg.PS just PS noted your in Hawaii ....add 25% to cost for shipment...but when guns become totally outlawed there you have a pre 98 so your good to go.
I will be picking up couple project bolt action rifles from the same shop this weekend. Both in 7.62MM so I will probably pass unless I can get the 1873 at a really good price. I'll need to save up more dollars or sell some things.
Here, anything before 1899, black powder guns or replicas do not need to be registered. Also before July 1994 registration for long guns was not mandatory. Just had to have a long gun permit.
With a super Democrat majority in both houses and a Democrat for governor, it will be really hard next year. We already have 10rd limit on magazines that can fit into a pistol and the "assault Pistol" ban since July 1992.
It is easy to imagine they will extend the ban to rifles,shotgun, and make the 10rd limit to include all magazines.
Shipping is not too bad for the smaller items. Larger items can go in the flat rate priority air mail boxes. Cost is same to all 50 states.
Here, anything before 1899, black powder guns or replicas do not need to be registered. Also before July 1994 registration for long guns was not mandatory. Just had to have a long gun permit.
With a super Democrat majority in both houses and a Democrat for governor, it will be really hard next year. We already have 10rd limit on magazines that can fit into a pistol and the "assault Pistol" ban since July 1992.
It is easy to imagine they will extend the ban to rifles,shotgun, and make the 10rd limit to include all magazines.
Shipping is not too bad for the smaller items. Larger items can go in the flat rate priority air mail boxes. Cost is same to all 50 states.
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I was given two 1873 winchesters from a co-worker that were really rusty, in 38-40,and both were built in the 1910's. Stocks were water stained, all the parts were there. But after 10 years of not doing anything with them, I sold them off for a Garand. I saw them later and they looked really good, and had a hefty price tag on them. Oh yea they were both loaded when I got them from the co-worker.
I checked at the shop today to take another look at the Winchester. The bore was dark and had some cobwebs. The muzzle looked to be too big for a 32 so I looked at the top of the barrel. What seemed like 32 WCF was actually 38 WCF. Rust had covered part of the 8 and I assumed it was a 32.The rifle will need a lot of work.
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How much $ ,38's are very desirable if in shootable shape.original parts are plentiful on Gunbroker and ebay and are reasonable. If it has original finish/patina and good markings and shootable and you can finish under a repro gun price grab it.
The magazine tube is completely covered with rust and the barrel is about 50-75% covered. Looks to be blued. Receiver is more patina than the rust. The forearm has a split on the bottom. No cover or the screw, or the 2 screws for the cap. I was able to pull the lever open and close.
One of the books the shop owner looked at had a 10% rifle at $800. Since it is not a complete rifle, no way I am paying that. I'll see what happens tomorrow.
One of the books the shop owner looked at had a 10% rifle at $800. Since it is not a complete rifle, no way I am paying that. I'll see what happens tomorrow.
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It would take sizeable investment, but Turnbull Restorations can bring back the rifle to like new condition and it would still "fetch" a handsome resale value even being restored.
Turnbull's work is amazing and check out his web site for examples of the work he does, works of gun art. Just a suggestion.
Turnbull's work is amazing and check out his web site for examples of the work he does, works of gun art. Just a suggestion.
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Turdball is expensive and over rated in my book. If its 38/40 its worth a little more but not much...poor cond on any drives price down, I have a DOM 1903, 3rd version 38/40 mint bore, 70% factory blue, vg good tight, I can't get my asking of 2600.00... to redo that rifle it will never equal a factory issue value...re-blueing kills prices... ...youll spend 2000.00 easy to fix it up.
Took a look at the Winchester a little more. The finish is is mostly brown. Little hint of blue on the loading gate and the hammer. Markings are good. Bore might be able to clean up. IF I were to get it then I would just soak it with penetrating oil, disassemble and then slowly clean it up. I won't be going crazy and try to scrub the brown off. I won't be refinishing it. Parts I would get would be original and close to the condition the rifle is in. New parts would be obvious and not right on the rifle. It is what it is.
I let the owner that I am still thinking about it. Only thing would be to think up a offer. Maybe $200? Or under.
I let the owner that I am still thinking about it. Only thing would be to think up a offer. Maybe $200? Or under.
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If you can get it for that you better grab it as that's give away price.look on the auction sites you'll see what 73's sell for.
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I bought a dust cover on ebay for my 1873 in 32WCF, and the auction said to check out his other 1873 parts, so I did.
Looks like he took a complete rifle, and simply parted it out; everything but the receiver was up for sale. That seems like a shame to do, but out of curiosity, I followed all his auctions to see what they closed for. He sold for about $1200, when the complete rifle was worth something like $800. So there is a market out there for parts.
Even rusty, I bet you can photograph and document the amount of rust, and people will still buy it. If I am missing a pert, a rusty replacement is better than no replacement ... could be a fun project.
By the way, my dust cover is a little looser than I would like, so if you decide to part this one out, I might be interested in the dust cover .....
Looks like he took a complete rifle, and simply parted it out; everything but the receiver was up for sale. That seems like a shame to do, but out of curiosity, I followed all his auctions to see what they closed for. He sold for about $1200, when the complete rifle was worth something like $800. So there is a market out there for parts.
Even rusty, I bet you can photograph and document the amount of rust, and people will still buy it. If I am missing a pert, a rusty replacement is better than no replacement ... could be a fun project.
By the way, my dust cover is a little looser than I would like, so if you decide to part this one out, I might be interested in the dust cover .....
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"Turnbull is expensive and overated...," who does the restorations of such firearms better for less cost?? As for value of their work, you will note they do indeed fetch premium prices for them and are sought by those who consider themselves not only as collectors but actual users/shooters of the firearms upon restoration.
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I know of a few Winchester specialists in Texas that do as good for 1/3 the price of Turdball. Cylinder and Slide for pistols.
Heres one.......https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...lD5T24UMkz6AZLvBw&sig2=pYsxQxIy-eWCdRjCUAazuQ
Heres one.......https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...lD5T24UMkz6AZLvBw&sig2=pYsxQxIy-eWCdRjCUAazuQ
No cover or the screw for this rifle. Also rifle turned out to be 38WCF 38-40. I have one fired case for the 32-20, 38-40, and 44-40. Just curious to see what a 38-40 round looks like so I put a 180 plated bullet. Really thinking more of getting it. Next time in is Tues
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Not really sure how I missed this thread. I have put together several 73's out of parts guns over the years. I know your excited about this project, But if you ever get tired of it, let me know. Otherwise, good luck on your new project. Please keep this thread going with more pictures and updates.
Rifle is on the back burner for now. Going very slow. I have the rifle soaking. Screws were buggered from previous owner(s) Screw for the side plate snapped off. On the inside was 120+ years of dirt, powder fowling, rust ,dried oil. Really caked. Have some parts off and still soaking. Some parts cleaned and oiled in another container. Bolt still in plus fore end, band, and mag tube. No pics on those yet.
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