The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - 38-40 winchester lever action

BillM · December 9, 2012, 04:33 PM

1885 is what my book says. 38-40 is basically 44-40 necked down. Takes
a .400-.401 bullet.

I've got a later (1914) '73 in 38-40 that shoots surprisingly well with
almost no rifling visible.

30" barrel? If that is indeed the case, and it is octagonal---you
appear to have a special order gun. Don't do ANYTHING to it.
A little wipe down with a slightly oily rag is OK---but don't
"clean it up". Get a "factory letter" on it--that long barrel could be worth
some serious bucks.

December 9, 2012, 04:33 PM	#7
BillM Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Amity Oregon Posts: 211	1885 is what my book says. 38-40 is basically 44-40 necked down. Takes a .400-.401 bullet. I've got a later (1914) '73 in 38-40 that shoots surprisingly well with almost no rifling visible. 30" barrel? If that is indeed the case, and it is octagonal---you appear to have a special order gun. Don't do ANYTHING to it. A little wipe down with a slightly oily rag is OK---but don't "clean it up". Get a "factory letter" on it--that long barrel could be worth some serious bucks.