...before looking at at how much original and reproduction parts cost...


Anyway, I am committed to building the rifle from the stripped receiver in 1-2 years piece by piece.

The seller said it was was a 38-50/44-40 receiver. But is there a way to verify this before i start buying costly parts?  On the 1873s, the sn was on the lower tang which I don't have yet.

I don't know how to tell 1st model, 2nd model differences either, or if that even matters.

Anybody got any tips?

Topic Moved

Sell it immediately ..... trying to build an 1873 one part at a time isn't a good idea

About 10 years ago I looked at doing what you are doing. It was still expensive and I quickly decided to not mess with it. I inherited an 1873 a few years ago and getting the few missing parts to make it functional were a bit expensive.

Well just got an original lower tang with an 1885 SN for $97. Now at least it has a manufacture date.

I think I can build it out for less than a Uberti Italian reproduction, which is selling for $1700.

Actually much less.
Just really need be sure I'm getting the right parts.

yep. seems like most parts are very high.

Let me check my parts boxes. I think I can hook you up with a dust cover and a few other things.

Any help is appreciated. It's a large caliber (40-40/38-40) model 3 (per Janos @ Homestead parts).

This is how far I have gotten so far.



Slowly but surely. Probably going to try for a rifle build rather than carbine.

Sorry for the late reply. Here what's in the box. See anything you like?

Attached File

My suggestion would be to find another relic condition 1873 to use as a parts donor.

An original 1873 is on my very short list of guns I want someday. Trouble is they seem to come in two extremes really rough found under a haystack in a barn condition ( and still pretty pricey at that)

Or really excellent shape with very high prices.

My preference would be for one of the larger calibers 38/40 or 44/40.

Over the years I have had original 94’s,92’s and others, but having “ the gun that won the west” still appeals to me.

Good luck with the build. Make sure to post pictures when you get it done!