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Posted: 10/28/2016 11:37:45 AM EDT
Stepping away from collector-only pieces, which would you get if you wanted an ORIGINAL rifle to shoot now and again?

An original Volcanic is out of the question unless I'm allowed to hold a fundraiser.  

A Winchester 1873?  (Not pointing to a specific one, just using this site so you have an idea.)

1876?

1886?

1892?

1894?  (If you need to look this up, you should hang your head in shame.)

1895?

Thanks,

Mike
Link Posted: 10/28/2016 1:16:48 PM EDT
[#1]
1886 in 45-70 would be my choice.  As long as you stick to ammo designed for it and trapdoors you'll be fine.



ETA my '94 in .32 Win.Spec, saddle ring carbine made in 1921  I still use it for deer.






 
Link Posted: 10/28/2016 1:48:40 PM EDT
[#2]
I'd look to the '86 or '92 for the following reasons:



1876 vs
1886:  The 1876 version used the same toggle like setup as the 1873 and
so it's limited to less powerful calibers and loads than the 1886. The
originals were produced in a wide variety of calibers including 33 WCF,
38-56, 38-70, 40-65, 40-70, 40-82, 45-70, 45-90, and 50-110, a great
opportunity if you're a reloader.  Advantage 1886.



1892 vs 1894:  The main
attraction I see of the '92 over the '94 is that the '92's shorter
action gives you the opportunity to shoot some great handloading
specialty calibers such as 218 Bee, 25-20, 32-20, 38-40, and my pick,
the 44-40.  The '94 is great in 30-30 or 35 Win but then it's just a Win
'94 and everyone should own a 30-30.  As a handloader, I'd really like
the 44-40 caliber in a rifle.  Advantage 1892.
Link Posted: 10/28/2016 2:17:47 PM EDT
[#3]
Legal antique '86 '92 '94 or '95.
Link Posted: 10/28/2016 2:38:35 PM EDT
[#4]
1892

THIS ONE
Link Posted: 10/28/2016 3:08:36 PM EDT
[#5]
Interesting to see the differences of opinion here versus in the GD.  Thank you!

Mike
Link Posted: 10/28/2016 5:12:52 PM EDT
[#6]
1894

My father had one and traded it to get the electric service re-done on the house when I was a kid. I was so mad at him for trading it. But I understand why he did.
Link Posted: 10/28/2016 6:11:12 PM EDT
[#7]
Gotta go with either a 94 in 30-30, or the 1886 in 45-70 for all the above reasons. Both are strong for enough for smokeless and BP loads as long as they are not the higher Ruger No.1 class (45-70) and the 30-30 is kept to 2300-2400 fps MAX. Have owned and shot both the 92, and 73 in 44-40 and liked the 92 better for it's handling characteristics.

That being said two of my grail lever guns are the Winchester 65 in 218 Bee and the Model 71 in .348 Win.
Link Posted: 10/28/2016 8:16:13 PM EDT
[#8]
Mike, to be honest, I'm really surprised at the replies here.  You said you wanted a shooter - not a collector.  The 1894 has the strongest action of those that you won't have to sell your kidney to acquire.  Others may be more collectible and more rare, but if you want a shooter that *can* double as a collector, I'd go with an 1894 in .30WCF (ie, 30-30).  You can get them for a good price in decent condition without breaking the bank.  If you get one that's made prior to 1900 in shootable condition, you'll pay a premium, but you can get an all-original, shootable 1894 SRC made in the early 1900's for around a grand.





Here's an 1894 Winchester SRC made in 1906 in 30-30 (.30 WCF) that I picked up earlier this year at a gun show in AZ (I traded the guy for it):









 
Link Posted: 10/29/2016 12:07:01 PM EDT
[#9]
For a shooter; 1894 in 30-30.
Link Posted: 10/29/2016 8:56:32 PM EDT
[#10]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


For a shooter; 1894 in 30-30.
View Quote




 
Link Posted: 10/30/2016 3:47:08 AM EDT
[#11]
If you can find an original 1873 in 44-40, it is kick-ass.  The sound and feel of this rifle beats all.

I would just get a repro for general shooting.   Winchester makes one in Japan.   Uberti has one in 44 Magnum I might have to get.
Link Posted: 10/30/2016 5:03:47 PM EDT
[#12]
I already have two original '73's, both 38-40 and in 24" rifle form. One is an 1886 production, the other an 1888 production. I absolutely love the rifles and especially banging steel at 200 yds. with them!





Link Posted: 10/30/2016 5:28:01 PM EDT
[#13]
I could have sworn I just answered this question a few days ago. Definitely the Winchester 1873 in 44-40.
Link Posted: 10/31/2016 12:19:55 PM EDT
[#14]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I could have sworn I just answered this question a few days ago. Definitely the Winchester 1873 in 44-40.
View Quote


You probably did.  I asked here and then in the GD to see what the experts vs unwashed masses thought.  

Mike
Link Posted: 10/31/2016 12:20:27 PM EDT
[#15]
ggibbs, that's beautiful country.  Where were those photos taken?

Mike
Link Posted: 10/31/2016 1:02:08 PM EDT
[#16]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
ggibbs, that's beautiful country.  Where were those photos taken?

Mike
View Quote


 Thank you. It's north Texas.
Link Posted: 10/31/2016 5:13:05 PM EDT
[#17]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


 Thank you. It's north Texas.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
ggibbs, that's beautiful country.  Where were those photos taken?

Mike


 Thank you. It's north Texas.


Nice!

I'll be passing through Amarillo in 4 weeks and look forward to the drive.

Mike
Link Posted: 11/4/2016 5:47:53 AM EDT
[#18]
For serious hunting/long range use an 1895 in 30-06.  In .405Win for big stuff.
For general goofing around an 1892 in .44-40

If you allow modern repro - Uberti 1866 in.38Special.
Link Posted: 11/21/2016 11:47:12 PM EDT
[#19]
Winchester 1894 in 32 Special made in 1948. Mine is a real shooter but in great shape.
Link Posted: 11/25/2016 8:37:33 AM EDT
[#20]
Link Posted: 12/24/2016 3:17:30 AM EDT
[#21]
Avoid a Win 76...cartridges near to impossible to find
Link Posted: 12/25/2016 2:55:50 AM EDT
[#22]
1886, in 45-70 or 1892 in 44-40.
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