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Winchester 1885

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13 comments

  • dodge69
    Does any body make a tang sight for the newer Winchester 1885 (cal 17HMR) that will mount to the tang without a gunsmith service? Thank for any info!!!
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  • perry shooter
    Bert H is one of the well respected members here he also has done major research on Winchester model 1885 click on his user name and send him an email or wait for his reply to your question.
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  • Bert H.
    Dodge69,

    There are simply way too many variations of the Model 1885 to pick just one that woukd be the most desirable. What I will say, is that generally speaking, the high-walls are more desiarable than the low-walls. The specific variation, caliber, and other features all have influence on the desirability and value. I try not to be overly picky about any of them as long as they are 100% factory original and in decent condition... which is why I own a fair nunber of them[^] Altered rifles are real low on my list, and need to be real cheap before I would consider buying.
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  • dodge69
    Bert, I try to stay away from any gun that has been modified. The one I was looking at has been changed to a 22 mag. I like to shoot most of my guns and I want to get something that I can get ammo for. I didn't know if the 22 was a rim fire or what. I really do not want a 22 short. If you where to pick one that you planned to shot and the ammo would be available, what one would you like?
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  • tsr1965
    IMHO, the only to damage the value of a collectable firearm, by shooting it, is by shooting something that is NIB, and unfired, other than by the factory.

    I only have two of such said firearms in my collection, one being a Walter PPK, that is highly embellished, and the other is a first generation Colt SAA.

    I also have several Winchesters, and they had all been shot, before they came into my hands. Some are highly collectable, high condition 1873's, and 1892's(my fav). I still shoot those rifles that are close to 130 years old.

    I am quite sure that Bert still shoots the lions share of his collection too. He just can't help himself.

    If I were looking for a rare bird in an 1885 HiWall, that ammo was still available for, it would be a 45-70, 38-55, or 32-40...in that order.

    Best
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  • v35
    I have only one 1885 that was someone's school project.
    It is a loWall with single set trigger and has a Springfield 1922 barrel chambered for 22 Hornet.
    This gun has repeatedly taken woodchucks at up to 340 yards with .223
    dia conical point, flat base handloads at maximum velocity.
    While the HiWall is stronger you won't need it. Furthermore, when shooting with a scope, prone in a grass field one can better access the breech to retrieve fired cases because the breech walls are machined away.These guns were made in crazy calibers. I would venture your chances of finding a good original would be best in one of these odd, obsolescent calibers.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by dodge69
    Bert, I try to stay away from any gun that has been modified. The one I was looking at has been changed to a 22 mag. I like to shoot most of my guns and I want to get something that I can get ammo for. I didn't know if the 22 was a rim fire or what. I really do not want a 22 short. If you where to pick one that you planned to shot and the ammo would be available, what one would you like?


    There are lots of them that I like... and shoot. Do you realize that there were more than (85) different calibers/cartridges made in the Model 1885? How much do you want to spend?
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  • dodge69
    Thanks for all your help, now I just have to wait and watch. I do not buy really expensive guns but always try to improve on what I have. I have a complete set of model 12's, 37's a number of NIB commemorative, 94's, 64's and 55 among others. I really rely on you guys that know what you are talking about. I will let you know what I finally find.
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  • isutoad
    Originally posted by dodge69
    Thanks for all your help, now I just have to wait and watch. I do not buy really expensive guns but always try to improve on what I have. I have a complete set of model 12's, 37's a number of NIB commemorative, 94's, 64's and 55 among others. I really rely on you guys that know what you are talking about. I will let you know what I finally find.

    If you have the model 12 28 gage you have a good shotgun.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by dodge69
    Thanks for all your help, now I just have to wait and watch. I do not buy really expensive guns but always try to improve on what I have. I have a complete set of model 12's, 37's a number of NIB commemorative, 94's, 64's and 55 among others. I really rely on you guys that know what you are talking about. I will let you know what I finally find.


    When you find one that you are interested in, drop me a message and I will take a look at it for you.
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  • dodge69
    Thanks a lot. I found a 38 caliber but don't know if that is something that I can get ammo for or not. I would guess it would be a pistol round.
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  • WWllVet
    Dodge69, if it is marked 38WCF or >38-40, Yes ammo is available.This is a very popular round in the 1892 Winchesters as well as in SAA Colts.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by dodge69
    Thanks a lot. I found a 38 caliber but don't know if that is something that I can get ammo for or not. I would guess it would be a pistol round.


    There were a large number of different .38 caliber cartridges offered in the Model 1885, with those is bold being the most common;

    38 Short (RF)
    38 Long (RF)
    38 EX Long (RF)

    38 Long (CF)
    38 EX Long (CF)
    38 WCF
    38-50
    38-55
    38-56 WCF
    38-70 WCF
    38-72 WCF
    38 EX.
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