Howze book information question

[hhughh]

In Howze's book, he breaks down the calibers of the '76 by chapter.  In the section covering 45-75, he lists the sight configuration, but there are only about 2100 guns numbered.  Many more rifles in 45-75 were made than this.  Does anyone know how his numbers were accounted for?

Thanks,
Hugh

[OKDEE]

Hugh, 
Off the top of my head, ( the book is at home )  I do not recall.  I do know that I seem to be able to x-reference some information with Arthur Pirkle's book and even the Madis book.

Great luck on the search.

OKD

[Buck Stinson]

Houzes book on the 1876 is a fair reference at best.  Most hard core 1876 Winchester collectors wonder where he got some of the information he gives.  What info in particular are you looking for?

Buck

[hhughh]

Buck,
      Thanks for weighing in. We had another discussion about his accuracy before. I don't have the book in front of me now, but my question was that he shows twelve rifles had sporting rear sights--as the Uberti now wears. Was this sight on the'76 truly such a rarity? Like I said, if you add up all his numbers under sight configurations, it doesn't come anywhere near the number he gives for guns produced.

Thanks again,
Hugh

Edited  Had listed "six rifles".  Have reviewed the book now, and it's actually 12.

[Buck Stinson]

Page 119 in Houzes book shows a sight page from an 1878 Winchester catalog.  The Sporting Leaf rear sight right in the middle of that page was the standard rear sight on all 1876 Winchester rifles, EXCEPT for those in .50 Express.  The express rifles were equiped with a short buckhorn similar to the sporting rear sight shown on that same page near the bottom.  This shorter sight for the express caliber rifles had a strange looking notched elevator with number graduations on the side.  Are you confused yet?  Also on page 105 of Houzes book he makes reference to and shows a picture of a sight he "claims" was designed by J. G. Baker in Ft. Benton, M.T.  First of all, there was no J. G. Baker, it was I. G. Baker.  He was an outfitter and merchant in Ft. Benton.  He never designed any sights for Winchester or any other gun company.  He sold dry goods, sporting goods and other frontier trappings.  Until 1884, all NWMP carbines purchased by the force, were purchased through I. G. Baker.  The sight in questions was the standard short leaf sporting sight used on ALL Winchester carbines made for commercial sales, from the late 1866 models, thru the 1894 model saddle ring carbine.   Most of these didn't have a model marking, but some were marked 1873 and some were marked 1876.  Hope this clears up things a little.

Buck