Rebarrel winchester 1873 questions

[Dentoro]

I have an old Winchester Model 1873. It is in 32-20 I’d like to have have it in .357. Can this rifle be converted to 357 with a new barrel? I’d like to keep the barrel original as is. Who can you recommend and can do this kind of work in central Indiana?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Leadeye]

How old is the 1873?

You can have the bore relined by Redmans back to 32-20 if you want to stick with that cartridge, but they aren't local. I think 357 has a larger diameter rim although not by much, biggest issue will be the toggle action handling the power. You could also sell the 1873 and get a brand new Uberti in 357.

 

[Dentoro]

How old is the 1873?

You can have the bore relined by Redmans back to 32-20 if you want to stick with that cartridge, but they aren't local. I think 357 has a larger diameter rim although not by much, biggest issue will be the toggle action handling the power. You could also sell the 1873 and get a brand new Uberti in 357.

Made in 1906.

 

[AmmoManAaron]

Yeah, what Leadeye said. And there is no way I would trust an original 1873 action with 357 Mag.

 

[Alpo]

I've had a 44-40 in for repair that someone "tested" with a 44 mag. The bolt was deformed and the linkage broken.

I'm not certain that the same results would occur with a .357 mag; however, the links in those older rifles are not anywhere near as strong as an Uberti reproduction.

 

[KJQ6945]

I’ll agree with the others here, if the bore is bad, reline it for 32-20. If your set on having a .357, buy a modern reproduction.

Gun Barrel Relining ? Redmans Rifling and Reboring

 

[Leadeye]

Made in 1906.

Are you having issues with accuracy with the existing bore or just looking at the 357 as easier ammo to get? I have a number of 32-20s and a lot of times you can get better accuracy if you load your own ammo, jacketed or oversize cast bullets.

 

[Dentoro]

Are you having issues with accuracy with the existing bore or just looking at the 357 as easier ammo to get? I have a number of 32-20s and a lot of times you can get better accuracy if you load your own ammo, jacketed or oversize cast bullets.

The rifle is a tack driver for what it is. It has some rust and scatter pits but hits its mark. Ammo is hard to find, expensive when you find it and not cheap to reload. I don’t cast my own bullets. I prolly paid too much and just don carry the love of old gal I should. I was just thinking if it were an easy conversion I’d use it more.

 

[Leadeye]

Best of luck with the Winchester, I can say that the Ubertis in .357 are excellent rifles. Send me a PM if you decide to sell or are looking to trade it.

 

[corben1]

Here’s a 44-40 Button Mag ve been beating and banging on for a while.
Gotta inspect those toggles closely, even if you in the end leave it 32-20. They are loads of fun to shoot, but not made to hotrod.