The short rifle, a cowboy's favorite, was easy to carry in a horse-mounted sling and could be drawn and fired while riding. Though it might have lacked the long-barreled accuracy of its relatives, its convenience and other features made it a popular choice. The rifle’s magazine held 15 rounds and provided a cool grip, a clear advantage over earlier Henry models.
The Winchester 1873: The Gun That Won the West
Known as “the gun that won the West,” the Winchester 1873, along with the Winchester Model 1866, was treasured by cowboys, outlaws, peace officers, and soldiers alike. Native Americans, too, valued the Winchester highly, often paying a premium for it. An Apache saying from Arizona goes, "It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lightning in the hand."
Materials Needed
Computer and printer
Photo to replicate
Scissors
8 1/2" x 11" typing paper or graph paper
Pen or pencil
Brown or white wrapping paper
Wood slab
Grinder
Glue
Walnut wood stain
Mounting supplies
Instructions for Building a Non-Firing Replica Model
Find a Photo to Replicate: Start with finding a photo of a Winchester rifle that you like. Import it to a paint or photo program on your computer, ensuring it prints out close to 10" long in landscape mode.
Cut it Out: Carefully cut out the printed photo along the gun's perimeter. This will be your pattern for tracing to a larger image.
Draw the Grid: On white 8 1/2" x 11" typing paper, draw a grid with 3/4" x 3/4" squares (14 vertical columns, nine horizontal rows). Copy the small grid pattern onto the larger wrapping paper grid with 1 3/8" x 1 3/8" squares.
Transfer the Sketch: Use your small sketch to transfer the rifle's segments to the larger wrapping paper grid. Adjust any miscalculations as you go.
Cut the Replica: Cut along the traced perimeter of your replica-sized copy (about 22" long).
Trace and Cut the Wood: Outline the carbine onto a wood slab and use a scroll saw to cut along the outline. If you don't have a scroll saw, a saber saw or coping saw can work too.
Smooth the Edges: Use a grinder or sandpaper to smooth out any irregularities in the wood.
Finishing Touches
Stain the edges and front face with walnut wood stain. Apply glue and sawdust to any errors to ensure they absorb the stain.
Mount the cutout on a separate board for a 3D effect using Gorilla Glue. Use picture hanging wire for easy suspension.
A Few Famous 19th-Century Lever-Action Repeaters
Among the iconic 19th-century repeaters are the Marlin 1895, Savage Model 99, Winchester 1894, Winchester 1886, Winchester 1873, Henry Model 1860 Rifle, Winchester 1866, and the Spencer.
Repeating Rifle Evolution
The concept of repeating rifles dates back to the 17th century with the expensive Cookson repeater. Mass production began towards the end of the American Civil War, with the Winchester Model 1866 becoming a favorite in the West among cowboys and military personnel. Repeating rifles, notably the Winchester 1866, played a significant role in Arizona's development, particularly among the Arizona Rangers.
The Winchester 1866's popularity was due to its .44 caliber rimfire ammunition, later converted to centerfire, making it suitable for both pistols and long guns—convenient and economical.
The Winchester 1866 is not only a marvel in terms of exterior elegance but also in its ingenious internal workings, making it a must-have for any Old West enthusiast.
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