Important Instructions for Model 1873 Lever-Action rifles This owner’s manual is for Winchester® Model 1873 lever-action rifles only. Supplemental instructions for special edition Model 1873 rifles must be used in conjunction with the instructions found in this owner’s manual. If your supplemental instructions are missing, contact us immediately for a free copy or download one online at: winchesterguns.com.
Important instructions for the Content Page State Warning.................................................................2 Winchester® Model 1873 Lever-Action Rifle WARNING: You Are Responsible for Firearm Safety.. 2 General Description and Operation..................................9 Nomenclature........................................................................12 Serial Number.......................................................................
State Warning According to state law, California requires that firearm manufacturers, distributors and retailers include conspicuous, specific warnings with firearms sold in that state. WARNING: You Are Responsible For Firearm Safety Failure to follow any of the following warnings could result in serious injury or death. As a firearm owner, you accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these responsibilities can be the difference between life and death.
3 Whenever you handle any firearm, or hand it to someone, always open the action immediately and visually check the firearm’s chamber to Make certain that the firearm is completely unloaded. Make certain the firearm does not inadvertently contain any ammunition. Remember, merely removing the magazine does not mean the chamber is unloaded. Always keep the chamber empty and the “safety” in the on safe position unless shooting is imminent. 4 Always WEAR Ear AND Eye PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING.
10 Be alert to the signs of ammunition malfunction. If you detect an off sound or light recoil when a cartridge is fired, do not load another cartridge into the chamber. If your firearm fails to fire, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction for a minimum of 30 seconds. Carefully rotate the top of the firearm away from you, open the action and remove the cartridge from the chamber. If the primer is indented, the defective cartridge should be disposed of in a way that cannot cause harm.
19 BE DEFENSIVE AND ON GUARD AGAINST UNSAFE GUN HANDLING AROUND YOU AND OTHERS. Don’t be timid when it comes to firearm safety. If you observe other shooters violating any of these safety precautions, politely suggest safer handling practices. 20 BE CERTAIN your firearm is UNLOADED BEFORE CLEANING. Because so many firearm accidents occur when a firearm is being cleaned, special and extreme care should be taken to be sure your firearm is unloaded before disassembly, cleaning and reassembly.
FIGURE 1 Model 1873 Features This Model 1873 rifle is a replica of one of the original Winchester Repeating Arms designs made over a century ago. The Winchester Model 1873 features a sleek design, precision machining and hand finishing uncommon in most of today’s mass produced guns. These are qualities that require more effort to provide the lasting beauty and durability you will appreciate for years to come. Traditional open sights are easily adjustable for elevation and drift adjustable for windage.
FIGURE 2 Hammer Ejection Port Dust Cover Rear Sight Barrel Front Sight Muzzle Receiver Buttstock Magazine Tube Forearm Lever Lock Loading Port Trigger Trigger Stop Finger Lever Buttplate lever upward cycles a new cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. The Model 1873’s reliable, smooth function made it an instant success in its day. We are sure you will appreciate its incredible design and high level of precision as you become familiar with it by reviewing this owner’s manual.
Operation of the Hammer FIGURE 4 Always keep the hammer in the half-cock Position unless shooting is imminent. Always keep the muzzle Pointed in a safe direction. Failure to Follow these warnings could result in serious injury or death. Lightly oil the rifle at these points. Various exposed metal parts of your new firearm have been coated at the factory with a rust preventative compound.
When cocking the hammer with your thumb, be sure to keep your Fingers away from the trigger. Always keep the hammer in the half-cock Position unless shooting is imminent. Always keep the muzzle Pointed in a safe direction. Failure to Follow these warnings could result in serious injury or death. Half-Cock Position The half-cock position (Figure 6) is the recommended position when carrying the rifle in the field and for storage.
FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9 Carefully lower the hammer to the rebound position. Hold the hammer firmly and pull the trigger. Dust Cover The Model 1873 has a dust cover on top of the receiver designed to help keep the receiver clean. Slide the dust cover forward, which is the closed position, when the rifle is not in use. The dust cover does not need to be manually slid to the rearward, open position prior to shooting the rifle, it will open when the lever is cycled. Lever Lock 2.
Additional Safety Information • It is recommended that you keep the action open (with the finger lever extended) when your rifle is laying on a bench or table at a shooting range or other facility, and at all other times except when you are in the field and shooting is imminent. Ammunition Do not use ammunition other than what is inscribed on the barrel. Examine every cartridge you put in your firearm.
FIGURE 13 FIGURE 15 Push the cartridge into the loading port until it is mostly inside the loading port, then insert another cartridge and use it to push the preceding cartridge into the magazine. FIGURE 14 When firing is imminent pull the hammer back to the full-cock position. finger lever back and upward (Figure 14, page 22). This transfers a cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. Keep your fingers away from the trigger. Cycle the finger lever fully downward to open the action.
hammer in the dropped position. THE Rifle IS now READY TO FIRE BY holding the lever tight to the frame and pulling the trigger. 3. Take aim, and when on target, squeeze the trigger. After firing, release the trigger to the fully forward position. After firing, or when shooting is no longer imminent, immediately move the hammer to the half-cock position. Failure to follow these warnings could result in serious injury or death. 4.
FIGURE 16 FIGURE 17 Ensure the rifle is completely unloaded. Lifter Magazine Follower Lift up on the notch holder and move the elevator forward or rearward with your fingers. Chamber immediately lower the hammer to the half-cock position as explained previously. FIGURE 18 Sight Adjustment Tap carefully on the rear sight base to adjust the sights. Before adjusting the sights, open the action and make certain YOUR rifle IS completely UNLOADED. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
• Move the rear sight base to the right to shoot farther to the right on the target. wiping down the action and oiling key parts. Regular maintenance will also include cleaning the barrel. • Move the rear sight base to the left to shoot farther to the left on the target.
inspected thoroughly to be certain no cleaning patches have been inadvertently left in them. 6. The interior of the receiver and the bolt should periodically be wiped with a clean rag. Any dried oil in these areas or on the magazine follower should be removed. Follow this cleaning by applying a very light film of oil on the affected parts. 7. Lightly oil your firearm at the points described under “Initial Cleaning and Oiling” on page 13.
4. When sending your firearm, enclose the service/ repair form available at winchesterguns.com or a letter that clearly describes the trouble experienced, the ammunition used and the repairs desired. Also include your name and a daytime phone number where you can be reached. 5. If convenient, send a copy of the service/repair form or letter to us separately. 6. Never return ammunition with your firearm. It is against postal and most commerce regulations.
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