I almost forgot about this old gun that used to belong to my Dad. It was at my sister's for a long time, and a couple of years ago she asked me to hang on to it for her.
I had put it up for safe keeping, and just yesterday started thinking about this gun again. So, I got it out, started cleaning it up a bit...and then decided to do a little research on it.
This particular gun is considered by many to be "The Gun That Won The West" but that is probably just because of the large numbers that were produced.
This gun is HEAVY! It's a Winchester model 1873, 38-40 caliber, made in 1890 (according to the online catalogs I could find) and it is good condition. All mechanically sound! Shows it's age on the stock especially...and the dust cover is missing. My sister had the firing pin removed long ago because she had young children at the time and was taking no chances.
I only remember shooting this particular gun one time when I was younger, and what I remember is that it kicks like hell! Of course, that may just be because I was a youngster at the time, who knows?
I was considering taking it to a gun dealer and having it checked really well to make sure it's sound enough...and then taking it to the firing range and trying it out!
What do you think? Does that sound like I've lost my mind? I would like to know if the gun is usable...you know, just in case!
If anyone has fired this model, or one similar...let me know what you think, OK? I value your opinion...I really do!
Now, let's go get a fresh cup of coffee, my friend!
