Winchester 1873 Sporter Case Hardened
IN recent years the ancient Winchester Model 1873 has been revived by a number of makers probably due to its widespread popularity among Western Action competitors. While the Italian company, Uberti, is making more than 20 different versions of the venerable Winchester '73 lever-action, by far the most sought after versions are the Winchester-branded Model 1873 Short Rifle and Model 1873 Sporter Case Hardened, which are claimed to be true to the original pattern. They carry stamped on the barrel, the legend "Made By Miroku-Japan - - Imported by BACO Inc. Morgan, Utah." Beco, of course being the logo of the Browning Arms Company.
The Winchester repeating rifle had its genesis when the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company in which Oliver.F. Winchester was a major stock holder, had patented in 1849 a toggle-link lever-action. When that company failed in 1857, Winchester bought the assets and became the sole owner of the patents.
Forerunners of the Model '73 included the Model 1860 Henry Repeating Rifle and the Model 1866 which is celebrating its 153rd birthday this year. The Henry Repeating Rifle Company changed its name to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company following the introduction of the Model 1866, Like the
