Lucky owner

javabum · February 21, 2011, 02:29 AM

I have a model 1873 Winchester .44/40 an havent found anything on the net on how to clean it.I know from experience not to disturb the petina of the rifle,but it is in shootable condition an dont know how to clean or lube the barrel after a range trip.And if there is any other cleaning i need to do besides the barrel i would appreciate any info anyone can give or a web site someone could point me too.

Thanks javabum (Kevin)

javabum · February 22, 2011, 12:00 AM

I there no one on this forum with any knowledge of the model 1873 rifle
that can be of any assistance to me.....I'm at a loss and can't find anything
on the net that's of any help.

PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!

Thanks.

Ideal Tool · February 22, 2011, 10:34 PM

Hello, Javabum. Probably would be wise to have a COMPETANT gunsmith check it out for headspace, & wear..those things rely on a rather weak togle-link for lockup. You might want to visit the friendly folks at The Open Range Forum: www.theopenrange.net. There are experts there who can help. Best of luck!

javabum · February 23, 2011, 02:13 AM

Thank you Ideal Tool.....I just registered for the site you refered me too.

On a side note it has been checked by a smithy....Rifle is in excellent condition and have shot it.Works like it did when it was first made.But thanks
for the heads up....good lookin out.

PIGMAN · February 23, 2011, 02:52 AM

Clean it just like you would any other rifle.The patina will not be disturbed by proper maintanace.What messes up antique firearms is refinishing the wood and metal.Clean the barrel and action like any other rifle and wipe the surface areas with a oil rag.A clean properly maintained firearm is always more desirable than a dirty one.

James K · February 23, 2011, 06:12 PM

You will have to clean it from the muzzle unless you want to take the rifle apart, something I don't recommend. Just make sure the rod is the right length or put a stop on it so the rod tip/brush doesn't hit the face of the bolt. You can drop the lever without bringing the carrier up so you don't hurt the carrier.

Jim

February 21, 2011, 02:29 AM	#1
javabum Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: Californication Posts: 264	Lucky owner I have a model 1873 Winchester .44/40 an havent found anything on the net on how to clean it.I know from experience not to disturb the petina of the rifle,but it is in shootable condition an dont know how to clean or lube the barrel after a range trip.And if there is any other cleaning i need to do besides the barrel i would appreciate any info anyone can give or a web site someone could point me too. Thanks javabum (Kevin) __________________ Stupidity Should Hurt.....Immensely NRA Life member

February 22, 2011, 12:00 AM	#2
javabum Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: Californication Posts: 264	I there no one on this forum with any knowledge of the model 1873 rifle that can be of any assistance to me.....I'm at a loss and can't find anything on the net that's of any help. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!! Thanks. __________________ Stupidity Should Hurt.....Immensely NRA Life member

February 23, 2011, 02:13 AM	#4
javabum Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: Californication Posts: 264	Thank you Ideal Tool.....I just registered for the site you refered me too. On a side note it has been checked by a smithy....Rifle is in excellent condition and have shot it.Works like it did when it was first made.But thanks for the heads up....good lookin out. __________________ Stupidity Should Hurt.....Immensely NRA Life member

February 22, 2011, 10:34 PM	#3
Ideal Tool Junior member Join Date: October 6, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,080	Hello, Javabum. Probably would be wise to have a COMPETANT gunsmith check it out for headspace, & wear..those things rely on a rather weak togle-link for lockup. You might want to visit the friendly folks at The Open Range Forum: www.theopenrange.net. There are experts there who can help. Best of luck!

February 23, 2011, 02:52 AM	#5
PIGMAN Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2011 Location: ARIZONA Posts: 175	Clean it just like you would any other rifle.The patina will not be disturbed by proper maintanace.What messes up antique firearms is refinishing the wood and metal.Clean the barrel and action like any other rifle and wipe the surface areas with a oil rag.A clean properly maintained firearm is always more desirable than a dirty one.

February 23, 2011, 06:12 PM	#6
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	You will have to clean it from the muzzle unless you want to take the rifle apart, something I don't recommend. Just make sure the rod is the right length or put a stop on it so the rod tip/brush doesn't hit the face of the bolt. You can drop the lever without bringing the carrier up so you don't hurt the carrier. Jim