Winchester Model 1873 Third Model .22 Short Lever-Action Rifle, 24 in Barrel, 15-Round, 1891 Antique
This Winchester Model 1873 Third Model is an antique 1891-production rifle chambered in .22 Short with a 24-inch round barrel and a 15-round tubular magazine. It features the Third Model's integral dust-cover rail with sliding cover, a rimfire-specific front-loading inner magazine, and a brass carrier stamped '22 CAL. SHORT'. Blued steel construction and walnut furniture with a straight-grip stock and steel crescent buttplate complete this period-correct configuration.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Poor - Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
Bore Rifling: Poor Rifling - Rifling heavily worn or filled with fouling or debris.
Specific Condition Notes: There is widespread rust and pitting on the exterior bluing and within the action. The walnut furniture and metal finishes show scratches and blemishes. The bore presents as dark, and the rifling shows heavy blemishing. The magazine tube is unable to fully rotate and lock into the slot cut for it.
What’s Included
- Winchester Model 1873 Third Model .22 Short lever-action rifle
The Third Model configuration is evident with its integral dust-cover rail and sliding cover, plus a 'Model 1873' tang marking. The barrel carries the Winchester address with King's Improvement patent dates, aligning with known factory markings for this series.
This rimfire variant uses a front-loading inner magazine and omits a right-side loading gate, as correct for .22 Short Model 1873 rifles. A brass carrier stamped '22 CAL. SHORT' further identifies the chambering and rimfire-specific internals.
The rifle is built with a 24-inch round steel barrel and a blued steel receiver, paired with a tubular magazine rated for 15 rounds of .22 Short. Traditional iron-sight provisions include a front sight and a barrel dovetail for a rear sight.
Walnut furniture consists of a straight-grip stock with an oil finish and a steel crescent buttplate, plus a walnut forend capped in steel. Made in the United States in 1891, this antique Third Model reflects the lever-action, toggle-link mechanism that defines the 1873 line.