First, I apologize for not doing this sooner, but as the old saying goes, better late than never.
The “When was Your Winchester Made?” resource tool has been fully revised and updated with new researched (verified) information. Further, it now includes all of the pre-1964 models that were not previously listed. I urge everyone to vigorously give it a test run, and if you find any bugs or issues, please let me know.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks for the positive replies
Please stay tuned for the next several issues of the Winchester Collector magazine… shortly after returning home from the annual Cody show this year, I went into overdrive wrapping up research projects and writing five new & updated articles.
The first will be a detailed (updated) article for the Model 43 Bolt-action Rifles.
The second is a new article discussing the late production Model 90 and Model 06 rifles.
The next will be a long overdue updated article detailing the Single Shot Winder Muskets to include current survey statistics.
The fourth article discusses in detail the Model 94 production and all of the many changes to it that occurred in the 1924 – 1963 timeframe.
The fifth article will most likely end up being a 2-part documentary discussing the Model 1897 Slide-action Shotgun history and production.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015

Bert-
Thanks for all the hard work, I’m glad you found the time and inspiration to finish so many projects. Sounds like some very interesting articles.
Mike
TXGunNut said
Bert-Thanks for all the hard work, I’m glad you found the time and inspiration to finish so many projects. Sounds like some very interesting articles.
Mike
You (and everyone else) are welcome. I actually completed a total of six different projects in the past few months, but still have several that I am diligently working on. In addition to completing all of those articles and research projects, I also found the time to reload (600) rounds of 222 Rem Mag, (500) rounds of 22 Hornet & K-Hornet, (400) rounds of 30-06, (200) rounds of 30-40 Krag, and (200) rounds of 7×57 Mauser. I believe that I am ready for the insanity that will undoubtedly be unleashed next month.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Damn, that’s some productivity! I’m looking forward to those magazine articles for sure, all very interesting to me. I’m just hoping to get a picture on the calendar one year soon HAHA
I now have a nice example of (almost) all of Winchester’s semi-auto shotguns, at least the milestone ones. THinking of photographing them for the calendar and perhaps making them my very first show display if I ever do one.
Bert H. said
Thanks for the positive repliesPlease stay tuned for the next several issues of the Winchester Collector magazine… shortly after returning home from the annual Cody show this year, I went into overdrive wrapping up research projects and writing five new & updated articles.
The first will be a detailed (updated) article for the Model 43 Bolt-action Rifles.
The second is a new article discussing the late production Model 90 and Model 06 rifles.
The next will be a long overdue updated article detailing the Single Shot Winder Muskets to include current survey statistics.
The fourth article discusses in detail the Model 94 production and all of the many changes to it that occurred in the 1924 – 1963 timeframe.
The fifth article will most likely end up being a 2-part documentary discussing the Model 1897 Slide-action Shotgun history and production.
Bert, just seeing this post. I also appreciate the time, effort, and all the hard work put in by you and others. Thank you.
Rick C
March 20, 2005


Bert,
I have an original 1885 Highwall chambered in 45-70. It has a Round Barrel & a Buffington Sight. The guys in my black powder club tell me they don’t ever remember seeing one with a round barrel, let alone a Buffington sight. I acquired the Winchester Letter that depicts the same. I believe it was “Campbell’s” book that I read that the round barrel was a lower cost option. Also, if my memory serves me correctly, I don’t believe Campbells book list the Buffington sight as an option; However, that is my rifles configuration.
I guess my question is, is my rifle rare because of this? I’m just curious and I love the rifle! I still shoot it a lot with black powder rounds and overall it’s in terrific original condition. Thank You.
Jeff E.
Jeff E. said
Bert,I have an original 1885 Highwall chambered in 45-70. It has a Round Barrel & a Buffington Sight. The guys in my black powder club tell me they don’t ever remember seeing one with a round barrel, let alone a Buffington sight. I acquired the Winchester Letter that depicts the same. I believe it was “Campbell’s” book that I read that the round barrel was a lower cost option. Also, if my memory serves me correctly, I don’t believe Campbells book list the Buffington sight as an option; However, that is my rifles configuration.
I guess my question is, is my rifle rare because of this? I’m just curious and I love the rifle! I still shoot it a lot with black powder rounds and overall it’s in terrific original condition. Thank You.
Jeff E.
Jeff,
What is the serial number on your Single Shot?
Winchester manufactured a fair number of high-wall Muskets with a 32-inch round barrel and Buffington rear sight. Round barrels were standard for the Sporting Rifles and Muskets, but the majority of the rifles (80%) were manufactured with the optional octagon barrel.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Jeff E said
Bert,The serial# of my rifle is 94858. I don’t know if that adds anything but since you asked me I wanted to provide it to you. Thanks, Jeff
Jeff,
I was in Texas when you posted the message on the 16th. I got back home on the 18th, and have been working overtime to catch up on all of my Winchester related correspondence.
The ledger record confirms that your Plain Sporting Rifle was special ordered with a “Buffington Rear” sight. As a I previously mentioned, the Buffington rear sight was the standard sight on the 400+ high-wall 45-70 caliber Muskets.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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