The improved design of the 1873 utilized stronger and lighter steel receivers, as opposed to the yellow gunmetal on the preceding Winchester Repeating Rifle (i.e., “1866”).

Further improvement included the addition of a dust cover to the receiver top. The First Model 1873 (s/n 1 to about 30,000) has grooved guides on each side to retain the dustcover (sometimes referred to as a “mortised dustcover). The Second Model (s/n 30,000 to 90,000) has a dust cover on one central guide secured to the receiver with two screws. This configuration has been observed on a few examples up to s/n 125,000. The central guide rail on the Third Model is integrally machined as part of the receiver. The Third model starts at 87,000 and intermixes with Second Model for a period of time.

The Model 1873 was the first Winchester to have a formal year model designation marked on the gun.

Winchester’s new cartridge, the .44 Winchester Center Fire, was introduced in 1873 as well and promoted as the standard chambering for their new Model 1873 rifle.

Throughout its 46-year production, the Model 1873 was offered in a number of configurations with a wide range of special order features. Here are but 5 examples of special order configurations for the Winchester Model 1873:

• Barrel length variations – Anything from extra-long barrels to shorter carbine-length versions.
• Octagon or round barrels – Buyers could choose between the two styles for looks or weight preference.
• Fancy wood upgrades – Options like deluxe checkered walnut stocks with higher-grade finishes.
• Engraving and inlays – Custom scrollwork, initials, or even gold/silver inlays for a more personal touch.
• Set triggers or special sights – Options like double-set triggers or tang-mounted peep sights for improved accuracy.

The U.S. military never adopted the Model 1873, but the lever action rifle was widely adopted by frontiersmen, scouts and Native American forces.

Yes, the Winchester Model 1873 was definitely used for hunting — especially for medium-sized game like deer, coyotes, and hogs.

It wasn’t as powerful as some later rifles, but with cartridges like the .44-40 Winchester, it was perfectly capable for close- to mid-range hunting, particularly out West where fast follow-up shots could be just as important as raw power.

The Model 1873 .22 Rimfire Rifle was the first .22 caliber repeating rifle in America was introduced in 1884 and discontinued in 1904. Winchester sold a little more than 19,000 .22 caliber Model 1873s.

As with all historic firearms, a Winchester Model 1873’s value is determined by a number of factors, ranging from year of manufacture, to configuration, to condition, and more. As one example, The Blue Book of Gun Values Thirty-Fifth Anniversary Edition valued a below average Model 1873 First Model between $900 – $1,650; an average Model 1873 First Model between $1,650 – $2,500; an above-average Model 1873 First Model between $2,500 – $4,950. All based on originality and brightness of finish. Each example’s history and provenance will significantly influence the Winchester 1873’s value.

The 1873 was frequently factory-engraved, making it a prime target for fakes.

The 1873 was “The Gun That Won the West,” so any documented frontier usage significantly increases desirability.