Winchester 1873

[shawnd7]

Cross posted in long guns, didn’t see this section before I posted.
My dad came into a Winchester 1873 we believe is a 1889 manufacture, I’m not very knowledgeable on the older lever guns and I’ve never heard of the cartridge. From what I found there’s factory loadings for it, but due to the age do I need to run black powder or is smokeless ok? Any idea what these rifles are worth? I think he got a deal giving $800 for it but I really don’t know. Any info at all would be greatly appreciated. Thanks y’all!

 

[Sneakymedic]

That's a nice rifle, but the ammo is pretty expensive for it. I think he did OK at 800.00. Most people shy away from them due to ammo cost, but they are still cool to have. Nice find!

 

[S&Wtinkerer]

A set of reloading dies and some good load data will definitely help. Smokeless was around in 1889 but I would use the black powder loadings or a light/cowboy load to stay on the safe side. That would be a great piece for over the mantle!

 

[rufrdr]

I had an 1880s vintage model 73 .44-40 that I loaded for with smokeless powder with no issues except the cases were easy to crush when crimping as they are very thin