MY 1866 WINCHESTER

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Diabloman

Single-Sixer
Joined
Mar 19, 2022
Messages
340
Location
Ohio Territory
Well I was/am bored so I got the family heirloom out for a good cleaning. It wasn't that dirty but I cleaned it anyway. I replaced the worn locking block & fit a new barrel. It now shoots the BP load 44/40. I load for the '66 and it is FUN to shoot!
I love that Blue Smoke. I also got G'Pa's Colt SAA 44/40 and did a clean on it.
A good time was had by All.
1866 Winchester.jpg
 

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Mauser9

Blackhawk
Joined
May 20, 2022
Messages
598
Location
Ma.
Got an awesome two guns there. Super collector Winchester and Colt. Doesn't get much better than that. Thanks for showing a couple of my favorites.
 

Diabloman

Single-Sixer
Joined
Mar 19, 2022
Messages
340
Location
Ohio Territory
It is a Flat gate on the loading gate. I did save the original barrel. A friend had a 44/40 barrel he donated and I gave
him a 44 mag barrel and parts. We built TWO guns that day
and went shooting followed by steak & Beer! The '66 needed
a locking block, so I fit a new one and decided to put a 44/40 barrel on. My friend said he had what I needed and I had what he wanted & the rest is history!
 

Mauser9

Blackhawk
Joined
May 20, 2022
Messages
598
Location
Ma.
Again awesome. Shoot it with black powder rounds? Heard of these and the Model 1873 being fired with reduced smokeless loads but might not be safe in all guns of this vintage. Someday be glad to own an 1873.
 

southernbuck101

Single-Sixer
Joined
Jan 27, 2023
Messages
184
Location
Georgia
This thread inspired me to get my heirloom out of the safe and take a few pics.
I've owned this since I inherited it in 1974 at a ripe old age of 11 years old.
Model 1873 Deluxe sporting rifle in 38WCF with the following special order from factory features:
1.XXX Walnut furniture with pistol grip stock.
2. Color Case receiver.
3. Marbles tang peep sight.
4.Crescent butt with cleaning kit compartment.
5. Sling swivels.
Born in 1893.
From what I understand, this is the next model down from the 1in 1000, Winchester 73.
I'm thinking as I age responsibly, and only have a daughter who has no practical interest in this historical piece, that it needs to be lettered and maybe take a drive to Tulsa to an upcoming Wannemaker show.
I was offered 5 figures in 2006, but at that time I could not bring myself to part with it.
Not sure that I could now, but as the realization of getting older increases, so does the thoughts of it being passed on to someone besides the NRA museum to be the next custodian if this fine piece of history.
I enjoy trading guns, like some folks change their minds on what's for dinner.
But this one is different.
I'm sure some of you are at this crossroads in life.
Thoughts welcome and appreciated.
 

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gunzo

Buckeye
Joined
Sep 8, 2010
Messages
1,988
Location
Kentucky
I don't know how I missed this thread at it's beginning, but glad I've finally seen it.

Such great, historical firearms here. Be still my heart.

Thanks for sharing!!!!
 

Mauser9

Blackhawk
Joined
May 20, 2022
Messages
598
Location
Ma.
Truly awesome and should be worth heavy $$$$$ A true heirloom to possess. Thanks for sharing with us.
 

G2

Hunter
Joined
May 8, 2006
Messages
2,491
Location
UT/AZ
Really neato, I really like the vintage brass, thanks for sharing.

I really aught not look at this kinda stuff, I WANT ONE NOW…😳
 

Armybrat

Buckeye
Joined
Feb 22, 2007
Messages
1,526
Location
Round Rock, Texas
This thread inspired me to get my heirloom out of the safe and take a few pics.
I've owned this since I inherited it in 1974 at a ripe old age of 11 years old.
Model 1873 Deluxe sporting rifle in 38WCF with the following special order from factory features:
1.XXX Walnut furniture with pistol grip stock.
2. Color Case receiver.
3. Marbles tang peep sight.
4.Crescent butt with cleaning kit compartment.
5. Sling swivels.
Born in 1893.
From what I understand, this is the next model down from the 1in 1000, Winchester 73.
I'm thinking as I age responsibly, and only have a daughter who has no practical interest in this historical piece, that it needs to be lettered and maybe take a drive to Tulsa to an upcoming Wannemaker show.
I was offered 5 figures in 2006, but at that time I could not bring myself to part with it.
Not sure that I could now, but as the realization of getting older increases, so does the thoughts of it being passed on to someone besides the NRA museum to be the next custodian if this fine piece of history.
I enjoy trading guns, like some folks change their minds on what's for dinner.
But this one is different.
I'm sure some of you are at this crossroads in life.
Thoughts welcome and appreciated.
Southernbuck, if that beautiful rifle were mine to donate, it would never go to the NRA museum.
Instead, it would go the real Winchester collection at the Buffalo Bill Western Museum in Cody, Wyoming. That institution is where the Winchester factory records are located - and issue the historical factory letters:

https://centerofthewest.org/our-museums/firearms/

This is where you request a letter for your winchesters:


I read an article by an NRA museum employee a year or two ago that the NRA Museum had supposedly been compromised by shady dealings and some prime firearms have been secretly sold off.
Given the allegations of systemic corruption in that once-revered organization, I'd do a bit of research before donating anything to them.
Just my opinion, and could be wrong.
 
Last edited:

Mauser9

Blackhawk
Joined
May 20, 2022
Messages
598
Location
Ma.
Would not be surprised. Too much crooked antics going on these days for the almighty dollar.
 

southernbuck101

Single-Sixer
Joined
Jan 27, 2023
Messages
184
Location
Georgia
Southernbuck, if that beautiful rifle were mine to donate, it would never go to the NRA museum.
Instead, it would go the real Winchester collection at the Buffalo Bill Western Museum in Cody, Wyoming. That institution is where the Winchester factory records are located - and issue the historical factory letters:

https://centerofthewest.org/our-museums/firearms/

This is where you request a letter for your winchesters:


I read an article by an NRA museum employee a year or two ago that the NRA Museum had supposedly been compromised by shady dealings and some prime firearms have been secretly sold off.
Given the allegations of systemic corruption in that once-revered organization, I'd do a bit of research before donating anything to them.
Just my opinion, and could be wrong.
No worries on that,Sir. Wayno will never get another dime from me.
I do need to get that factory letter, though,
Thank you.
 

Huntfish918

Bearcat
Joined
Jun 29, 2022
Messages
41
Location
Tulsa
This thread inspired me to get my heirloom out of the safe and take a few pics.
I've owned this since I inherited it in 1974 at a ripe old age of 11 years old.
Model 1873 Deluxe sporting rifle in 38WCF with the following special order from factory features:
1.XXX Walnut furniture with pistol grip stock.
2. Color Case receiver.
3. Marbles tang peep sight.
4.Crescent butt with cleaning kit compartment.
5. Sling swivels.
Born in 1893.
From what I understand, this is the next model down from the 1in 1000, Winchester 73.
I'm thinking as I age responsibly, and only have a daughter who has no practical interest in this historical piece, that it needs to be lettered and maybe take a drive to Tulsa to an upcoming Wannemaker show.
I was offered 5 figures in 2006, but at that time I could not bring myself to part with it.
Not sure that I could now, but as the realization of getting older increases, so does the thoughts of it being passed on to someone besides the NRA museum to be the next custodian if this fine piece of history.
I enjoy trading guns, like some folks change their minds on what's for dinner.
But this one is different.
I'm sure some of you are at this crossroads in life.
Thoughts welcome and appreciated.
I live in Tulsa, about 2.5 miles from the fairgrounds. If you bring it to the Wanenmacher, my buddy and I have 3 tables on the lower level. Sure would like to fondle your baby! OUTSTANDING!!! Yes, get a letter from the Cody Museum. Check out the Winchester Collectors Arms Association. Their annual show in Cody is where all the big money guys go to buy, sell and trade. I need to go there myself, but I'm spoiled with the Tulsa show.
 
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