I have absolutely no clue what this is. It appears to be a Winchester 1886 s/n 105753 but the rest of it is puzzling. The barrel is very heavy and is marked
R-2 C.C. Johnson it is 26″ round. I believe it to be a 22-250 but i’m not sure. The wood is magnificent walnut and the scope is a F.W Fecker 1042
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Marc
Dont know how to post pictures to this sight
Marc,
My bet is that you have a Model 1885 Single Shot Rifle versus a Mode 1886 lever-action repeating rifle. The R-2 cartridge is the old 25-20 S.S. (Single Shot) cartridge that is necked down to .22 caliber. It most definitely is not a 22-250.
Send your pictures to me at – [email protected]
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Charles C. Johnson was a prominent Ohio barrel maker in the ’40s & ’50s, though he never attained quite the reputation of Eric Johnson (no relation). Both built many .22 RF position guns & varmint guns, such as yours. I don’t think either of them ordinarily did their own stocking. (Unfortunately, these guns were the ruin of many high-grade single-shots, such as Ballards.)
November 7, 2015

It’s a double-edged sword, Clarence. The 1885 was easily and often modified. It was also a great gun as originally produced. Collectors want the original guns, comp shooters want the best gun they can take to the line. The 1885 can be both, today we have to deal with what’s left.
Good (and bad) news is that an unmolested example is hard to find. IMHO unmolested guns will bring top dollar. Modified guns could be exceptional shooters.
I think I’ll shoot my original 1885 In 32-40 tomorrow.
Mike
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