"New" Old '73

Blackpowder Burn · August 27, 2015, 08:37:55 PM

I came across a rifle I couldn't resist and after some wheedling with the boss, I purchased it today from a local firearms artisan (doesn't seem right to just call him a gunsmith). It's an 1873 carbine dating to 1890, chambered in 38WCF. The rifle is pristine as far as all the metal and internals. According to the artisan, someone had nickel plated the entire rifle at some time in the past, and it was all flaking off. He obtained it in trade, and stripped it, then decided to reblue and then case harden it (real bone and charcoal) - action, lever, barrel bands & butt plate.

It also has the original 3-piece cleaning rod, and the tang is drilled and tapped for a tang sight. That's the one thing that somewhat confuses me - I thought only the rifles were tapped for tang sights, but this is obviously a carbine with the barrel band and saddle ring.

The metal is absolutely pristine and after his work looks darn near factory new. The bore is frosted and has some light pitting, but is very shootable. I know it's not a collectors grade gun due to the restoration of the finish, but darn it's purty! All parts are 100% original. Can't wait to make her smoke and bellow!

Abilene · August 27, 2015, 08:52:34 PM

Excellent!

dusty texian · August 28, 2015, 01:06:54 AM

BPBurn you did good , that is a nice one! Very nice one ! ,,,DT

Blackpowder Burn · August 28, 2015, 07:02:23 AM

I can't believe a finally found a good cowboy gunsmith, and only 4 miles from my home! I suspect my wife will come to hate him, as I know I'll spend way too much money there. I've got so many projects I've wanted to do, but gunsmiths were so inconveniently located I just kept putting them off.

He's also done some work for me that I think will finally put my old Colt Lightning Rifle back into service. I'll find out in a few days once I can get it reassembled.

Life is good, if a bit expensive..............

dusty texian · August 28, 2015, 07:50:43 AM

Yep , your a Lucky man. Lucky I didnt see that thang first! ,,,,,DT

Good Troy · August 28, 2015, 08:36:12 AM

WOW! Look forward to seeing it in the September match!!

Coal Creek Griff · August 28, 2015, 09:11:36 AM

I don't know why I read posts like this. They just torment me.

Nice find!

CC Griff

Blackpowder Burn · August 28, 2015, 09:23:17 AM

Coal Creek Griff, I know what you mean. I'm usually the tormentee (Dusty does a lot of it to me!

), but this time I'm the one that got lucky. We all have our moments if we keep our eyes open and have patience.

Troy, I might even let you shoot it!

Now I've just got to peddle of a couple of safe queens to pay for it..............I did promise the missus that much.

Good Troy · August 28, 2015, 09:40:43 AM

[quote author=Blackpowder Burn link=topic=55921.msg674299#msg674299 date=1440771797
Troy, I might even let you shoot it!

Now I've just got to peddle of a couple of safe queens to pay for it..............I did promise the missus that much.

[/quote]

I would be honored!
Let me know what you are looking to peddle. I'm looking for a good "battle riffle".
May see you tomorrow...not sure though, as my wife's birthday is coming up.
But, I do plan to be at WHC on Sunday for the WB match. I just finished my holster and mag holders. I've not had leather for this in ages.

Major 2 · August 28, 2015, 11:24:05 AM

Quote from: Coal Creek Griff on August 28, 2015, 09:11:36 AM
I don't know why I read posts like this. They just torment me.

Nice find!

CC Griff

WORD !

Two Spurs · August 28, 2015, 01:30:01 PM

This doesn't surprise me one bit.

That's a nice piece of history and I know you are more than excited about this one.

I'll jump in there with Good Troy- let me know if you got anything I "need". Ha. You know the stuff I like.

Blackpowder Burn · August 31, 2015, 07:33:34 AM

I got to shoot the old girl yesterday, and am very pleased. Function is flawless and accuracy is good. I transferred a Marbles tang sight from another old '73 and didn't even have to adjust the sights! I only had a steel plate to shoot at, but put a round in each corner and consistently hit where I was aiming, so plenty good for CAS.

I took it apart for cleaning afterward, just to check out the internals as much as anything. The internals are just as pristine as the exterior. The darn thing looks dang near new. I still can't believe I got lucky enough to own this old rifle.

Good Troy · August 31, 2015, 09:56:44 AM

You would have had fun with it at WHC stage 6 yesterday on the Walter's swinging target scenario!

Coffinmaker · August 31, 2015, 10:04:51 AM

Well. Well Well. Well Well Well ..............

Obviously, I'm the only dissenter here. Foolishness. Pounding good money down a .......... Gopher hole (caddy shack ??)
In case you haven't noticed, it DOES NOT say Uberti, does not have Italian proof marks, and GASP ....... is not a Japanese copy of a
'73. You have obviously made an enormous mistake.
All is not lost. I'll provide you my address and forth with, you can ship it to me and save yourself the embarrassment of arriving at a match with GASP!! GASP!! An ORIGINAL!! Oh the Horror!! You can even ship it COD!!

I do have a suggestion, even though it's an original. Talk to your "Smithy" about finding a spare set of springs for it and re-grinding the spare set to reduce the effort, and even more important, reduce the WEAR CAS will put on the moving parts.

What would you take in trade?? First child

My Mini

Wouldn't trade my Dog, but there is an unruly child just up the street I'd ship ya

NICE FIND!! No, a REALLY NICE FIND!! (sniff)

Coffinmaker

Blackpowder Burn · September 01, 2015, 07:28:20 AM

Coffinmaker,

I was ready to buy a Win/Miroku '73 in 44WCF, but couldn't find any more of them available on the market. I was FORCED to settle for this one, and will just have to learn to deal with the ignominy of having a U.S. built Winchester. Life makes us accept less than optimum circumstance at times.

I will learn to cope with it and move on

Good Troy · September 01, 2015, 08:41:21 AM

Quote from: Blackpowder Burn on September 01, 2015, 07:28:20 AM
I will learn to cope with it and move on

BPB,
That's what I admire about your character...the tenacity to accept the cards dealt to you and play your hand accordingly....

yahoody · September 01, 2015, 05:57:43 PM

Cope? I could may be cope with that old relic

Nice find!

Coffinmaker · September 06, 2015, 03:59:58 PM

Alas. I tried. I really did.

Well, then, Endeavor to Persevere.

Remember, I offered, and, When it goes Tango Uniform, I'll still be here for ya

Your absolutely gonna hate 38-40. Trust me.

I wouldn't lead you astray

Can I sell ya a lightly driven ...... Used Car??

Coffinmaker

yahoody · September 06, 2015, 04:41:38 PM

Gall dang it Coffin Maker why do you have to keep bringing this up.....

Hurts me somm'in bad not to own that gun

Blackpowder Burn · September 12, 2015, 10:38:57 PM

Yeah, Coffinmaker, I hate the 38WCF so much I already had bullet molds and dies with my Dillon set up for it!

I also have another old '73 in 38WCF that I load for. Just hate that cat-ridge!

I took her out to our match last weekend and shot it clean - guess it'll do 'til something better comes along!