What Caliber Was the Winchester 73?

The Winchester Model 1873, also known as the Winchester 73, was a legendary lever-action rifle that captured the spirit of the American frontier. It was not just a rifle but a symbol of frontier life and the power of innovation in firearms design. This article delves into the caliber of the Winchester 73 and its evolution from previous models.

The Evolution of the Winchester 73

The Winchester Model 1873 was an evolutionary development of prior models such as the Winchester Model 1866, the Yellow Boy, and the Henry Repeating Rifle. The earlier models had used the 44 Henry rimfire cartridge, but the Winchester Model 1873 introduced the 44 Winchester Center Fire (44WCF) cartridge, marking a significant improvement in performance and reliability. These advancements made the Model 1873 a standout in its era.

The Cartridges of the Winchester 73

The Winchester Model 1873 came in a variety of calibers, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. The primary and most famous caliber was the 44 Winchester Center Fire (44WCF), also commonly known as 44-40. This cartridge featured more sensitive centerfire priming, allowing a stronger cartridge case and a bottleneck design that sealed the chamber more effectively. The 44WCF also reduced corrosive residue and fed more reliably.

Other notable calibers for the Model 1873 include the 38 Winchester Center Fire (38WCF), 32 Winchester Center Fire (32WCF), and the 22 Rimfire (22RF), also often marked as 22 Long or 22 Short. Some Winchester 73 models featured adjustable stops in the carrier to accommodate these different calibers. However, despite the existence of these other calibers, the 44 Winchester Center Fire remains the most recognized and often referenced caliber associated with the Winchester 73.

Notable Features and Marketing

Along with its wide range of calibers, the Winchester 73 also made waves through its marketing. The Merwin Hulbert revolver was marked as "Calibre Winchester 1873", and it came in the 44 Winchester Center Fire cartridge. Similarly, the Remington revolvers of 1875, 1888, and 1890 used the 73 Winchester cartridge, but their advertisements often highlighted the .44 caliber. The Colt Model of 1873, known as the Single Action Army SAA, was initially produced in the 45 Colt for military use. However, shortly after, Colt chambered the gun in 44-40, a move that allowed them to stay on par with the Winchester without branding their product as a direct competitor.

Conclusion

The Winchester Model 1873, or simply the Winchester 73, defined the era of lever-action rifles with its innovative design and range of calibers. Among these, the 44 Winchester Center Fire (44-40) stands out as the caliber most commonly associated with the Winchester 73. Its superiority in terms of performance and reliability made it a popular choice, and its legacy continues to captivate gun enthusiasts and historians alike.