This rare rifle is in untouched condition just the way the last owner put it away many years ago. According to the factory letter it was one of the rare  Targeted Rifles  which  were the forerunners of the  One of a Thousand  Rifle. According to James Gordon's definitive work "Winchester New Model of 1873 a Tribute" these early guns that tested as exceptionally accurate were recorded as Targeted and their target number recorded, generally 2"- 9". This rifle is recorded as 3 1/2 " so it safe to assume that this rifle tested as one of the most accurate and would have qualified for special status of  One of a Hundred  or  One of a Thousand  if the factory was doing that at the time. The highest recorded serial number of a Targeted Gun is serial #1856. It wasn't until after that that the first special  One of One Hundred  and  One of One Thousands  first appeared.  This rare rifle is in well used condition as you can see. It's rear sight has been moved and is now missing as is the dust cover.  The hammer won't hold on full cock and the stock has had two minor period brass pin repairs.  The bore could use a good cleaning but other than that the rifling is still very good and should clean up nicely.  I've had this great rifle in my personal collection for over 20 years and haven't seen another one offered for sale in many years.  

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