Looking for info on old Winchester 22 WCF rifle
I recently inhereted a old winchester 22 wcf rifle. The serial number is 95XXX and it has the octagon barrel. It is a single shot 22 wcf lever action. The other markings are a 16 stamped in front of the pivot point on the lever action and a patent date of 1879 or similar. Anybody know anything about this gun or what model it may be or what it worth? Thanks for any help or info.
0
-
Your Winchester is The Model 1885, it's chambered for the .22 Winchester Centerfire Cartridge.
Over 139,000 of the M 1885's were made, over a 35 year period from the late 19th Century until 1920. They were made in innumerable variations and calibers. Some of them are quite valuable today, depending specially on condition and originally.
The best thing for you to do, would be to get a hands-on appriasal from a KNOWLEDGEABLE & HONEST collector or dealer.
0 -
Hello dano1,
I just happen to be the expert you are looking for.
The old Winchester rifle that you have is indeed a Model 1885 Single-shot (as rufe-snow stated). Before a value can be estimated, there are several pieces of information that I will need from you.
To start off, the model 1885 was made with two different frame sizes... the "high-wall" and the "low-wall", thick-side and paneled-side frames, as well as several variations of each frame type... Plain Sporting Rifle, Special Sporting Rifle, Special Single-Shot Rifle (and several others such as the Lightweight Carbine, Musket, Winder Musket, Shotgun, International Match Rifle, and the Schuetzen Rifle). Your rifle is most likely a thick-side low-wall Plain Sporting Rifle (based on the caliber), and if so, it should have a 26" long, No. 1 barrel. It should also have a blued frame (versus case color hardened), and with a superposed "WP" in an oval stamped on the barrel (near the frame ring), and on the frame ring.
The partial serial number you provided indicates that the rifle was manufactured in 1903 (however, the actual date may be as much -1 year to +12 years). The complete patent marking (stamped on the lower tang) should read as follows "-PAT. OCT 7th 79.-"
Now, before a value can be estimated, I will need a bit more information from you;
1. Frame size?
2. Barrel length?
3. Barrel size (this is a single digit numeral stamped on the bottom flat of the barrel just forward of the forestock tip)?
4. Trigger type e.g. plain, single-set, close coupled double-set, or Schuetzen double-set (the latter two trigger types will be found on a high-wall only)?
5. Straight grip or pistol grip buttstock?
6. Crescent, shotgun style (flat), or Swiss butt plate?
7. Type of sights (carefully describe what each sight looks like, and the location of the rear sight(s)?
8. Checkered stocks?
9. Deluxe walnut or plain grained?
10. Bore condition?
11. How much of the original factory bluing remains on the barrel AND the frame?
12. What condition are the stocks in?
I realize that this may be a lot of information to provide all at once, but it is an important aid to determine exactly what flavor of Model 1885 you have, and what (if any) special order options it may have (most 1885s have at least one special order option). If you can provide pictures of your rifle, that would help to answer several of my questions. If you would like, you can also contact me directly (click on my profile, and you can send me an email).
Finally, I should mention that I am currently in the process of writing a new reference book specifically about the Winchester Model 1885 Single-Shot (and its sibling, the Model 87 Winder Musket).
Regards,
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!0 -
It's the predecessor to the 22 Hornet but loaded much lighter. I believe the Hornet case size may be identical.
If so the hornet will work since the Low Wall Winchester is strong enough.0 -
quote:Originally posted by v35
It's the predecessor to the 22 Hornet but loaded much lighter. I believe the Hornet case size may be identical.
If so the hornet will work since the Low Wall Winchester is strong enough.
Hello v35... That is not an entirely true statement. While the two cartridges are nearly identical, they really are not... the 22 W.C.F. used a bullet diameter of .228 versus the .223 of the original 22 Hornet or the .224 of the modern Hornet. Accuracy will be terrible if you try to shoot 22 Hornet ammo in a true 22 W.C.F. chambered rifle!
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!0 -
Bert H
Right you are about bullets needing to be .228" dia..
Shooting the rifle needs to be a handloading proposition if you can find dies and 45 grain,.228 bullets.0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
5 comments