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Winchester Model 1885s...

Bert H.
Greetings to all,

As many of you may already know, I am a true Winchester Single-shot afficionado[^]

What many of you may not know, is that I am currently in the process of writing a new reference book specifically about the Winchester Model 1885 (and its sibling, the Model 87 Winder Musket). What I would like to know, is how many of you folks own one or more Model 1885s? If you own one (or several), I would appreciate hearing from you (please contact me at Win1885@msn.com). I am a member of the Cody Firearms Muesum, and as such, I can (and will) have your Winchester Single-shot researched free of charge if you are interested and willing to share some information about your single-shot(s) with me. I hope to hear from a lot of you fellow single-shot rifle nuts[:D]

Instead of replying to this message, please contact me at my listed email address, or through my GB profile. Thanks to all (in advance) who may contact me[^].

btt x9

Regards,

Bert H.

Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • swiftyswede
    I got your survey from my friend Jerry, I do not have one, but I will pass it on to some good friends of mine that do. How was little johns today? I swear I need to make it down there for one of your saturday meetings. Steve
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  • Bert H.
    Hello Steve,

    Lots of new guns on the racks (they just started putting out the guns that will be in the June auction... some really nice stuff in the batch[:p]. John wasn't in today (he was still over in Las Vegas for the summer show), but several of the regulars were sitting out front telling some more whopper lies (and, yes, I was in the midst of them[:D]).

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • gerard
    Thankyou for providing the information you have given me. I will provide photos soon.

    Aloha from Hawaii,
    Gerard[:)]
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  • gerard
    aloha Bert H, the serial number under the lever is 109690 or maybe i am reading it backwards mahalo gerard
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by gerard
    aloha Bert H, the serial number under the lever is 109690 or maybe i am reading it backwards mahalo gerard


    Hello Gerard... are you referring to the serial number on your Model 1866, or a Model 1885 Single-Shot? If you are referring to the Model 1866, then it was manufactured circa 1872/1873. Again, the graded condition will determine the value. Do not attempt to "shine" up the bronze on your 1866... leave it just as it is. Cleaning it will negatively affect the value.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • gerard
    quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by gerard
    aloha Bert H, the serial number under the lever is 109690 or maybe i am reading it backwards mahalo gerard


    Hello Gerard... are you referring to the serial number on your Model 1866, or a Model 1885 Single-Shot? If you are referring to the Model 1866, then it was manufactured circa 1872/1873. Again, the graded condition will determine the value. Do not attempt to "shine" up the bronze on your 1866... leave it just as it is. Cleaning it will negatively affect the value.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!


    aloha Bert I was refering to the model 1866, I need to get a good camera to take pictures of the rifle so you can take a look at it. Who needs to look at the rifle to have it graded? Do you know anybody in Hawaii that does that sort of thing? The rifle hasn't been cleand, I'm leaving it just the way it is. I think this rifle is in really good condition. Thank you for your advise, it really helps me out because I do not know anything about older rifles. ALOHA Gerard
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  • Bert H.
    quote: Who needs to look at the rifle to have it graded? Do you know anybody in Hawaii that does that sort of thing? The rifle hasn't been cleand, I'm leaving it just the way it is. I think this rifle is in really good condition. Thank you for your advise, it really helps me out because I do not know anything about older rifles. ALOHA Gerard


    That is a very tough question to answer due to your location. I do not suppose that there are many Winchester collectors in all of Hawaii let alone whichever of the Islands you are on, and No, I do not know of anyone in Hawaii qualified to appraise your rifle. If you can provide a series of high quality photos, I can provide a limited appraisal, but you should understand that it will not be as accurate as would be if I had the rifle right in front of me. Please contact me through my GB profile and I will detail what specifc photos I will need.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • Smruf
    How do you feel about some of the reproductions on the market. particularly the Uberti line. They look nice and have very good metal to wood fit but how well do they shoot. The one I am particularly interested in is the Uberti 1885 Hi-Wall in 40-65 caliber. Any obervations are appreciated.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by Smruf
    How do you feel about some of the reproductions on the market. particularly the Uberti line. They look nice and have very good metal to wood fit but how well do they shoot. The one I am particularly interested in is the Uberti 1885 Hi-Wall in 40-65 caliber. Any obervations are appreciated.


    Hello Smruf...

    I have no personal experience with the Uberti made Model 1885s, so I can not offer any opbservations on their performance. However, I do know that they are not true clones (parts are not interchangeable with the originals). The Model 1885 high-wall that the Ballard Rifle Co. is making is a better product in my estimation. Each one of them is custom (hand made), and they are nearly identical to the original Winchester Model 1885s (most of the parts are fully interchangeable). The Uberti is about half the cost of the Ballard made high-wall though, so I suppose it should be considered. As for the caliber selection, if I were to buy a reproduction, it would be in 45-90 (or 45-70) versus the 40-65.

    I personally do not own any Model 1885s other than the original Winchester made ones, but I would not be adverse to picking up a Browning B78, or one of the brand new Winchester Model 1885s if the price was right.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • joel_black
    Bert,
    One of the local gunshops out here had both an Uberti and a Ballard in stock at the same time. I hate to say it, but the Uberti was a much better looking rifle. Uberti's casehardening was much nicer.
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  • Bert H.
    Hello Joel,

    I am not a big fan of any of the repro Model 1885s, regardless of who makes them[xx(]

    I am a bit surprised that you found a Ballard Rifle, LLC. Model 1885 in a local shop though... their "ready for sales" Model 1885 rifles are sold exclusively through their shop in Cody, WY, as are their cutom built rifles. I suspect that if you saw an actual Ballard Rifle, LLC. made rifle it was not new.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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