Gentlemen:

My great grandfather’s Winchester 1873 rifle, .32-20, with a 24-inch round barrel was shot out decades ago and subsequently a liner was installed. It shoots well but I wish to replace the barrel with an original ’73 round barrel in the same caliber. I have been searching for over a year but can’t seem to locate one with an excellent bore. Exterior condition is not that important as I will have it refinished.

So, the next step is to purchase a rifle and swap barrels. Then, I will resell the just purchased rifle with the lined barrel and return my family ’73 as close to original condition as possible.

Any of you lever gents have such a ’73 as I seek? I don’t want an expensive collector rifle. Rather a shooter grade 1873, poor exterior condition is fine, as long as the barrel can be restored and the bore is excellent and shiny.

A few dozen gun shows, advertisements, contacting the Winchester Collectors, etc., have all been dead ends. Can AR help?

Thanks for looking,
Cal