Got an original Winchester 1876 - share pics!

[Josie Wales]

That's a nice rifle KarlB and I have to say I agree with Buck.  Owning any antique Winchester is cool but when you know the history of the gun that's very special.  Also, not sure if your interested but it may be worth a look.....in the book Winchester an American Legend by R.L. Wilson on page 354 there is a photo of rifles associated with the RCMP.  One of the rifles appears to be based on the model 94 action.  Apparently Winchester made 32 of these guns in 30-30 caliber that they loaned to the RCMP for them to use in filming a documentary for there centennial anniversary in 1973.  In the book it says these carbines were called the MPX.  That's the only information I can find about them in the book.  At any rate it's a pretty neat picture showing a couple of the rifles associated with the RCMP. 

Take care,
Josie   

[KarlB]

Thanks, guys... This place is a wealth of information!

Josie,thanks for telling me about that book!

I've just ordered a copy from Amazon.

I was once told that a collector should have TEN books for
every rifle (or other firearm) he owns.  That would explain
my hundreds of gun books.  LOL!

KarlB

[shrapnel]

I just put an original winchester sight on my 45-60...

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Greetings!

I stumbled upon this site while searching for rifles used by the Royal Northwest Mounted Police... My grandfather served
with them around 1906 to 1909.  (Sgt.)  I recently inherited the rifle he carried with him on his adventures out West,
particularly near Fort Whoop-Up.  The thing is, it's NOT a 76, or 86, or a 73, but a 94!  Made in 1906, judging by the
serial number.

I have a couple of photos of him shooting it when it was brand-new, and a couple new shots of the rifle itself.

Actually, it's a saddle-ring carbine, with a tang sight, calibre 25/35.  Stamped into the forend is his regimental number.

I can find NO documentation that would indicate that the RNWMP (not NWMP) actually purchased these carbines for issue.

Does anyone have any information on the Model 1894 used in RNWMP service?

Great site, by the way!

KarlB

In Arms & Accoutrements of the Mounted Police 1873 - 1973, 1982 Phillips & Klancher some model 94's are shown on pages 62 to 64.  No serial numbers are recorded.  All 94's mentioned are carbines in .30-30.  Apparently they were used on northern patrols prior to the 1970's.  They were also apparently used by the air division, formed in 1937, and twelve were on record with them in 1973.  There is also mention of model 64's, also in .30-30, as "a secondary Mounted Police shoulder arm."  It is dicey to say a certain arm was NOT used by the Mounted Police, as some real oddities show up.  For example Sam Steele promoted the c96 Mauser based on his service in South Africa. Some Marlin model 99's are known but without any real paper track.

This .25-35 SRC model 94 is very likely a private purchase arm.  Its use on patrol was probably not discouraged.

[KarlB]

Thank you, Sir Charles, for the info!  Every bit learned is another step forward
in me compiling some sort of history of Grandad's adventures.  And not JUST
in the RNWMP, either - he was quite a character, very talented.  He was a
verterinary surgeon, accomplished musician and writer, and his brother-in-law
was Robert Stanley Weir, who wrote the English words to our National Anthem.


KarlB

[mlesniewski]

Just spent some time looking through the posts.  Very Nice pictures everyone.

Matt

[Crotchety Old Grouch]

On the way back from a SASS match in Alberta stopped Ft. Steele NWMP.  In the Officers Qrt. behind glass, they had this rack of NWMP 76 carbines,  I noticed that one had the standard rear sight instead of the meter sight.  Did the NWMP buy any standard carbines?

[Buck Stinson]

The answer to your question is "yes".  The very first order that Winchester recieved from the NWMP was in 1878.  It is beleived that at least 50 carbines were shipped in this order, to I. G. Baker in Ft. Benton, M.T. (Montana Territory).  The NWMP ended up purchasing all of their 1876 carbines and cases of ammunition through I. G. Baker & Co. until 1885.  This first order consisted of standard "trade" guns.  In other words, these were carbines sold to the general public.  All of the early 1876 carbines had the short non-adjustable flip up leaf sight.  It was a slightly larger version of the same sight which was at that time, standard on the 1866 and 1873 model Winchester carbines.  Not until 1882 was the Spanish meter sight made standard on the NWMP carbine.  The gun in your photo must be an early one.  Too bad you don't have any of the serial  numbers from the guns in your photo.

Buck

[Scully fan]

Hello to all the people,
first off, my true compliments for all these marvels of guns. Some of them make me with eyes out literally, they are fantastic to ssay the least !!!!

I post here the two Winchester '76 I do own currently, both found here in Italy with a great effort (almost impossible to rely on abroad, for many a reason).
A 40-60 Centennial from the late 1887, and a 50-95 Express (nice but, not-professionally reblued) from the mid-1887 (I think, s/n is 566XX).
They are together with a Mod. 1866 carbine.
Possibly the later refinishing of the Express is what made it stay in a still reacheable pricing range for me, it should be a interesting gun with its British proof marks and the 22" barrel w/ half magazine! (A "big cats gun"?).
I like it anyway, means almost eight months of extra-time paying (!!!).

[Scully fan]

Sorry, again pics are too small.
Cannot get them in a normal size. Maybe I'm so much unable as for the internet things ?...

[Grizzly Adams]

Hello to all the people,
first off, my true compliments for all these marvels of guns. Some of them make me with eyes out literally, they are fantastic to ssay the least !!!!

I post here the two Winchester '76 I do own currently, both found here in Italy with a great effort (almost impossible to rely on abroad, for many a reason).
A 40-60 Centennial from the late 1887, and a 50-95 Express (nice but, not-professionally reblued) from the mid-1887 (I think, s/n is 566XX).
They are together with a Mod. 1866 carbine.
Possibly the later refinishing of the Express is what made it stay in a still reacheable pricing range for me, it should be a interesting gun with its British proof marks and the 22" barrel w/ half magazine! (A "big cats gun"?).
I like it anyway, means almost eight months of extra-time paying (!!!).

Very nice collection, Scully fan!  Both of the 76s are great.  I especially like that 50-95 with the shotgun butt stock!  Love those "cat guns."     Is that an original 1866?

[Scully fan]

Hi Grizzly Adams, thank you.
The "Express" likes very much to me too, the only "shadow" being the re-bluing made so-so in not professional way (who knows by whom). The finish is top smooth and even, but with a totally wrong hint of blue  -  too much dark, even on the loading gate instead of "fire blue".

Yes the '66 is original in carbine conformation, just a slight varnish coat added much time ago.
Still a .44 Henry caliber,  even with a s/n #167,3XX wich results in a late example of '66.  Shipped from Winchester in late summer 1889.

[dusty texian]

Here is my M1876 Winchester ,45-75 wcf. cal . 28 in. oct . bbl. Original Winchester tang sight . Along with the original Winchester loading tools . The old gun still shoots good with the 350 grn. lead cast from the original mould ,and 72 grn. 2ff black. It is still solid and sound .A trusted friend on the hunt . Still roars and will hit where you point it . I am happy to post it here along with these other fine rifles . Thanks.

[Grizzly Adams]

A lovely old 76, dusty texan!   Thanks for posting her. 

That's an fairly early loading tool with the spoon style handles.  Have you tried making loads with it?

[dusty texian]

Thanks Grizzly Adams .I do use the old reloading tools . They are in great shape for their age .Winchester had a good idea when they made these type tools ,they are easy to use and you always get the crimp in the right place . Thanks Dusty .

[Grizzly Adams]

Wish I knew the story behind this little rifle , looks like someone wanted a handy rifle long ago and this is what they came up with . It is still handy today . Thanks Dusty

The 1876 is a heavy rifle, and I suspect someone got tired carrying it around.  Looks pretty handy!

[Ivory Slim]

I am trying to figure out how to insert a picture of my 76....help

[Grizzly Adams]

You will need to sign up with an outfit like Photobucket.  Download your pics to Photobucket and then copy the "img code" for the pic,  and past to your post on this forum.    Give me a shout if you need more help.

[dusty texian]

Howdy Boys, Had a chance to take my Winchester 1876 /45-75wcf out shootin at the range . Load was 350grn. bullet out of an original mold,std.win. primer loaded with original Winchester loading tool, and 72 grn. of 2ff Swiss .Target @ 75yd,standing off hand. Not target grade accuracy but a great old vintage hunting rifle . My favorite I think. ..... Dusty.

[Grizzly Adams]

Nice looking rifle there, dusty!  Pretty good shooting too.