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Winchester Model 1885 Information

1K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  Mike V 
#1 ·
I have what I believe is a Winchester Model 1885 Lo-Wall. It is stamped "Pat Oct 7th 79". It has a 24" round barrel and is 40" overall. The serial number is 90111. It has a "5" stamped near the rear sight. It looks like the stock was hand engraved by a previous owner. I would like to find out what caliber it is and what it may be valued at. Any help would be appreciated.
 

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#2 ·
Somebody worked this poor thing over BIG-TIME to "customize" it. Looks to me that it has been sanded and blued heavily. The stock and fore arm are toast.

Examine the barrel closely to see if any caliber designation remain. At the time this rifle was produced everybody and their cousin produced different caliber cartridges. If you can't find a caliber stamp on the barrel, you'll need to either take it to a gunsmith and have them figure out the caliber, or do so yourself.

I'd start by looking at the bore of the rifle and get an idea of the basic caliber. I'd even go as far as slugging the bore and getting an exact measurement. If you are still not sure after that, do a chamber cast. Measure the cast and it will tell you what you have.

These rifles are highly sought after by serious black powder competition shooters. As far as the cash value, someone will come along to help with that. If this were my rifle, I'd seek out replacement original wood as a starter. I think maybe this stock is too far gone to do anything with. These rifles were highly prized by their owners, so I'd expect the barrel to look pretty good without much or any pitting.
 
#4 ·
Mike,

It is indeed a Model 1885 low-wall rifle, but with a non-factory original barrel fitted to it. Originally, it was manufactured in July of 1901 with a 28-inch full octagon No. 1 barrel, chambered for the 32 W.C.F. cartridge. As has been pointed out, the stocks have been butchered (looks a lot like Bubba the *******'s handy-work). As for what cartridge it is chambered for now, you will need to have it inspected by your local gunsmith.

Bert H.
 
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