My Great Grandfather's '76 (or '73)

[clydeP]

My father got his grandfather's Winchester '73 or '76 some 30 years ago.  He got it because the name George W Peppin was carved into the stock.  There were also either 5 or 7 notches cut into the wood or into the receiver.  I also remember the caliber was inscribed on the barrel.

If you know that name, you know this rifle is in the Lincoln County War vintage.

Over the years, my brother got it and had it as a wall hanger.  Then, for some time, I believe it was at my folk's house in Salt Lake City sometime 2000 to 2003 while they had some outside help in and my brother was between houses of his own. 

My brother passed me the rifle this week and it is a '76 carbine low serial number but, the carved in name and the notches are not there.  the wood on the stock is much poorer condition than I remember. 

I just wonder if someone may have switched it out.  Not my brother but, maybe the "help".

Any ideas where I could go on a search?

[nativeshootist]

think the museum in cody,wy can get you a paper stating when it left the factory and who bought it etc. I think it's in cody

[clydeP]

After further investigation and going back in my memories.  This rifle is an 1873 in .32-WCF.  It is the carbine - short.  Saddle ring, octagon barrel.

If anyone ever comes across this rifle in a collection, a museum, please let us know.  The family and I really want it back.

[Cap'n Redneck]

A couple of points to consider when searching for the family heirloom:
Wikipedia states that the .32-20 / .32 WCF cartridge was introduced in 1882.
Wiki also states that the Lincoln County War lasted from Feb. 18th. 1878 to July 14th. 1881.
The Winchester 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine was made with a 19" round barrel.
The "short rifles" with 20" octagon barrels is a modern invention catering to the cowboy action shooters.

[RoyceP]

My brother passed me the rifle this week and it is a '76 carbine low serial number but, the carved in name and the notches are not there.  the wood on the stock is much poorer condition than I remember. 

So, my grandfather passed away in 1970. I remember going up in the attic when he was still alive and there was a Model 1876 Winchester rifle with a 30" barrel in 45-90 caliber. I asked him about it, he said it had been bought by his father and he never shot it because there was no ammunition available.

My grandmother sold it to a pawn shop after he died.

In any case you might have a very good rifle there. It may not be an heirloom but still.......

[King Medallion]

So, my grandfather passed away in 1970. I remember going up in the attic when he was still alive and there was a Model 1876 Winchester rifle with a 30" barrel in 45-90 caliber. I asked him about it, he said it had been bought by his father and he never shot it because there was no ammunition available.

My grandmother sold it to a pawn shop after he died.

In any case you might have a very good rifle there. It may not be an heirloom but still.......

Well that's not even possible, as the 1876 was never made in 45-90. A 1886 perhaps, but not an 1876.

[RoyceP]

Well that's not even possible, as the 1876 was never made in 45-90. A 1886 perhaps, but not an 1876.

You may be right. I just remember he told me that ammo was not available to fit it. It's hard to remember everything from 60 + years ago. It was for sure an 1876.