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November 7, 2015
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I’m a bit overwhelmed again. I’m looking to branch out a bit from my ’73’s, 92’s, 94’s and 95’s. I’ve dabbled in .22’s and shotguns recently and would like to add a few nice specimens in that area eventually. What I’m really interested in is the 1885 and the 1886 but quite frankly I’m not too excited about the price tags I’m seeing on the 1886’s I like. 1885’s are only a little better pricewise and quite honestly they moved way up my list after reading JMB’s biography.
I like the 1886 but not a big fan of it’s chamberings. I’m set up to load & cast for the 45-70 and 45-90 but would lean towards the shorter cartridge. I could probably get into the 38-56 with very little drama or expense but not much interested in the 33 or 40 caliber options. Even with an investment-grade rifle I’ll want to shoot it and I can assemble some rounds more easily than others. I don’t feel a serious levergun collection is complete without an 1886, maybe a 71.
I’m intrigued by the 1885 but can’t say I’ve ever handled one. It’s chambered in several cartridges that I cast & load so that’s a plus. That and I think any serious JMB fan needs an example of the rifle that launched his career.
I figure the Cody show will be an excellent opportunity to pick up either (both?) but I need to sort things out before I get up there. What questions (other than budget) do I need to ask myself before buying what will hopefully be the centerpiece of my little collection? My goals here are shooting enjoyment and investment potential. I’m inclined to think the 1885 may present the better investment opportunity but the right 1886 could be a good investment as well. I’m not wanting to focus in one particular area at this time, I’d like to learn a little bit about most of the popular models before I do that.
Mike,
We need to talk… I have been collecting the Model 1885 for nearly 40-years now, and it is still my favorite. I am of course a serious JMB disciple!
I will warn you… once you handle and shoot a nice Model 1885 rifle, you will look at all other Winchester Models with a measure of disdain.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Thanks, Bert. Looking forward to visiting with you at Cody, if not before. I know you’re a very knowledgeable 1885 fan and I’m looking forward to discussing them with you. I load & cast for the 32WCF, 30WCF, 38WCF, 32SPL, 38-55, 30-40 Krag, 45-70, 45-90 and a few I’m forgetting so would lean towards those chamberings. I don’t recall hearing of an 1885 in 300 Savage but I load & cast for that as well. I think a 22LR would be fun, too.
One other consideration is tang sights, must be factory D&T’d and would prefer factory target sights. I’ve got a lot more reading to do, may even cruise a few auction sites to see what’s available.
Not quite sure what an ELW rifle in an 1886 consists of or why so many are chambered in 45-70 but that looks like something I need to investigate.
Ok, I finally have to ask, what does ELW stand for?
Vince
Southern Oregon
NRA member
Fraternal Order of Eagles
“There is but one answer to be made to the dynamite bomb and that can best be made by the Winchester rifle.”
Teddy Roosevelt
Extra Light Weight
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
And it applies to just the Model 1886 and Model 1894. It was a catalogued variation for both models.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thank you both.
Our forum has a section labeled “terminology” , it is truly useless
Vince
Southern Oregon
NRA member
Fraternal Order of Eagles
“There is but one answer to be made to the dynamite bomb and that can best be made by the Winchester rifle.”
Teddy Roosevelt
November 7, 2015
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Hmmmm…thinking I may have found an 1886 I like. Seems like an honest 75-80% octagon bbl 45-70 rifle. S/N indicates 1894 manufacture. CCH quite faded but still very visible, from the right angles you can see some blue coloring. Only odd thing is the price seems a bit low but I’m OK with that.
November 7, 2015
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OK, bought the rifle. Will try to take some pics that will do it justice in the next few days. I can’t call it an 80% gun, maybe not even a 75% gun but it’s as nice as I’m willing to pay for an 1886.
Love well cared for used rifles, wish they could talk. Can’t wait to see pics.
Vince
Southern Oregon
NRA member
Fraternal Order of Eagles
“There is but one answer to be made to the dynamite bomb and that can best be made by the Winchester rifle.”
Teddy Roosevelt
November 7, 2015
Offline
Got them posted in the “What’s New” forum, Vince. Haven’t been any posts there in a few days. Funny thing when I was e-mailing the pics to myself I entitled one “1885” instead of “1886”. Getting waaaaaay ahead of myself here, lol.
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