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Winchester 1885 low wall

drummer123
I recently read on this site a response on a 1885 Winchester by Bert H and it was obvious he is very knowledgable on that model. I have been accumulating parts, some original, some new investment castings to build a hot rod on an empty winder frame. Frank de Hass's book Single Shot Rifles does not have the diagrams and dimensions I need to finish machine and assemble, is there a good reference book out there that specs out firing pins,flys,set triggers, barrel threads and machine work for the extractor etc?
Thanks, GregS
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • drummer123
    Can it be converted from rimfire to centerfire?
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  • Bert H.
    I assume that you are referring to an original (1886 - 1920) vintage low-wall?

    If so, Yes, it can be converted, but it requires several different (new) parts to do so. You will need to install a centerfire breech block and firing pin, and the correct extractor for the new cartridge. Additionally, if you are converting from a .22 rimfire, you will need to remove the extractor spring.
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  • drummer123
    Any idea as to where to get the parts?
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  • Hawk Carse
    Ballard says theirs are usable in real Winchesters. Breechblock is $225, small parts in proportion. Some fitting required, etc.
    http://www.ballardarms.com/parts_merchandise.shtml
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  • 264fan
    Your present breechblock can be converted from rim to centerfire if you can find an old gunsmith who knows how to do it.
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  • cody45
    there were lots of rimfires converted to 22 hornets, bees, and other low pressure rounds back in the thirties and forties. This involved using the stock rimfire breechblock, boring it out to accomodate a bushing for the new firing pin. In fact I first heard about it in an article in an old "American Rifleman" magazine but I dont recall the date of the issue. Just remember the bore size of the rimfires are smaller and loads should be worked up carefully. Soft jackets in >223 or lead would be a good place to start. Of course if you're going with a new barrel this point is moot.
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  • drummer123
    The rifle is 32 rimfire and I thought I would convert it to 32 short or long Colt. I tried the brass that uses a 22 blank as primer and did not like that. I have a Marlin 92 that uses 32 long or short and probably will reload for those.
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    you can have your breech block converted to c.f. BUT.......it is almost considered a crime to do so. the .32 colt is the center fire version of the .32 rim fire so no other modifications should be necessary.
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