Maynard Model 1873 No. 9 Hunting Rifle

Massachusetts Arms Company · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1873

Also known as: Maynard Improved Model 1873 No. 9, Maynard Model 1873 Improved Hunting or Target Rifle No. 9

Overview

The Maynard Model 1873 No. 9 Hunting Rifle is a single-shot, breech-loading rifle built on Dr. Edward Maynard's tip-up barrel action and chambered for the thick-rimmed .40-50 Maynard centerfire cartridge. Manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Company of Chicopee Falls, the No. 9 was the improved-hunting grade of the 1873 line, distinguished by the wide gap between the breech and recoil shield that accepts the pie-pan thick-rim case, which could be extracted by hand. Renowned for fine fit, interchangeable parts and excellent accuracy, Maynard rifles were offered in grades and calibers from .22 to .50.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3630 g (128.0 oz)
Overall Length1067 mm (42.01")
Barrel Length660 mm (25.98")
Action TypeBreak Action
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity1 rounds
Magazine TypeInternal
Muzzle Velocity360 m/s (1181 fps)
Muzzle Energy1134 J (836 ft·lbf)
Effective Range200 m (219 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 1873-1890

Produced by the Massachusetts Arms Company as part of the Model 1873 Maynard sporting-rifle line

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: Edward Maynard

Discontinued: 1890

Notes

The 1873 'thick Maynard' cartridges used a wide soldered head about 0.750 in. in diameter that allowed finger extraction. Owners could buy interchangeable barrels in other chamberings for a single Maynard action.

Background

Dr. Edward Maynard was a Washington dentist whose firearms inventions, including the Maynard tape primer, made him one of the most prolific American gun designers of the 19th century. His tip-up breechloaders earned a reputation among match shooters for their accuracy at the Creedmoor-era schuetzen and hunting ranges.