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May 18, 2026
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I am trying to complete the resurrection of an 1885 Special Single Shot. I ran across an original curved lower tang and over time have built the rest from original parts. I completed the metal parts and the butt stock just before I opted to get encephalitis. I’ve located a good stockmaker to finish the forend and do the finishing, but I cannot locate anyone to do the checkering in the typical Winchester pattern from that era. I’d like to know what the typical lines per inch was for the 1885’s. Also, any help with locating anyone doing checkering.
April 15, 2005
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The vast majority of the Special Single Shot Rifles (SSSR) were checkered with 20-lpi and the H-pattern.
This is a typical SSSR
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
June 1, 2023
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Bert,
That rifle shows the perfect blending of form and function, the melding of art and engineering. Can you tell me what it is chambered for? (and when you will be dropping it by my house.) 
BRP
April 15, 2005
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Blue Ridge Parson said
Bert,
That rifle shows the perfect blending of form and function, the melding of art and engineering. Can you tell me what it is chambered for? (and when you will be dropping it by my house.)
BRP
The SSSR in the pictures I posted is s/n 75874 and it is a 32-40.
The majority of the SSSRs were chambered for the 32-40 or 38-55, but they were made in small numbers in numerous other cartridges. The SSSR was Winchester’s first dedicated Target rifle. They were available as early as 1886 (the Schuetzen Rifle did not make its appearance until March 1896.
Unfortunately, I do not own it 
, nor would I ever just drop it off at your house! 
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 3, 2020
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BRP… the reason Burt isn’t “dropping it off at your house” is because he promised it to me! That really is a “sexy” rifle… yes I said it! No wonder you drive a beater truck, all your money is in art! 🙂
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