Winchester model 1873 .22 cal (1885 mfg)

This 1873 .22 cal antique rifle has a sleeved barrel and other replacement parts. Currently it can only be fired as a single shot.

The Winchester Model 1873, often called the "Gun that Won the West," was designed by Winchester Repeating Arms Company and introduced in 1873. While the Model 1873 is most famously known for its centerfire calibers like .44-40, .38-40, and .32-20, a .22 caliber rimfire version was also produced, though it was less common.

Brief History of the Winchester 1873 .22 Caliber Rifle:

Introduction: The .22 rimfire version of the Model 1873 was introduced in 1884, later than the centerfire models, to cater to shooters looking for a smaller, more affordable cartridge for plinking, small game hunting, and training.

Design: It retained the iconic lever-action mechanism of the Model 1873, with a tubular magazine under the barrel and a toggle-link action. The .22 version typically used .22 Short or .22 Long rimfire cartridges, which were popular for their low cost and minimal recoil.

Production: The .22 caliber Model 1873 was produced in limited numbers compared to its centerfire counterparts. Approximately 19,000 rifles in .22 caliber were made, making them relatively rare today.

Purpose: Marketed for casual shooting, small game hunting, and youth training, the .22 version was less suited for the rugged frontier life that defined the centerfire Model 1873's legacy.

Legacy: While the .22 caliber variant didn’t achieve the fame of the larger calibers, it contributed to the Model 1873’s reputation for versatility. The rifle’s smooth action and reliability made it a favorite among shooters of all levels.

Discontinuation: Production of the Model 1873, including the .22 caliber models, ceased in 1923, though its design influenced later Winchester rifles.

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