steve004 said

M64lvr said

Very interesting! I knew there were special order M71’s out there in 45-70,  but I thought them to be by request only. Sure never knew Winchester cataloged the 71 in 45-70, or especially in 33wcf! The 71 in 33wcf would easily be my Holy Grail of rifles, but if it came up I’d never be able to afford it, especially according to what that 45-70 just sold for! 

  

How about a M1886 SRC in .33 – that’s quite the holy grail in my book.

It’s enjoyable for me to see so much interest in and discussion of the .33 WCF.  I’ve studied the .33 since I was a young boy (given it was my Dad’s first deer rifle) and it’s been fascinating to read information in this thread that I did not know. 

  

Steve, You are truly singing my song here. My perfect collection would be an ELW AND a Src in 33! A Src in 45-90 wouldn’t be bad either.

Bert H. said
Tom,

Thanks for posting the factory letters for the pair of 33 WCF’s you have.

For those that may doubt the existence of a 33 WCF Carbine, here is the proof.

Bert

  

Good to see proof.  Even though Mr. Hall states he has no idea how many other .33 WCF carbines were made, it would have been helpful if he had commented to that effect that this was the only one he was aware of, or if he had been aware of others. By the way, I think close to 50 years ago I saw one advertised in the Shotgun News.  It may well have been this one.

Bert, excellent documentation on the 33s from you and Tom.

As you are aware, I have more than my share of 1886 rifles in 33 WCF along with about the same in pre-war Model 71s. I have always preferred the half-magazine rifles in the .33 which  extended into the Model 71. As a hunter, I have found rifle balance to be critical.

I would be interested in a portion of any new brass obtained. In reloading for the 33 WCF, keep in mind that Starline 40-65 WCF brass particularly, lends itself very well in a one pass resize to a 33 case. Truing and OAL to be determined. Still have early collector quality original boxes of 33 WCF and .348 WCF ammunition by both W-W and some Remington, Peters. A few boxes left of the discontinued Hornady 200 gr .338 FP bullets. Keep in mind that the 210 gr Nosler partition bullet may be used as is in a chambered round, or as the very last round first in the magazine. I usually trim the lead tip and still guard against any feeding or contact with other FP cartridge primers.

Speaking of Ben Lilly, his FM 1886 in 33 WCF is  still reputed to be in the mountains of New Mexico, while the Arizona hound hunting Lee brothers never discovered its location along the Blue or the Mogollon rim in either state. I get out there visiting my cabin below Alpine, and still search for the mountain  cave above Pinos Altos where his 1886 with some supplies are still supposed to be hidden.  Now that would be a historically rare grail 1886 in .33.

Ridge

“Tierra y Libertad”  Emiliano Zapata

Bert:

I am pretty sure you have them, but I will check and forward the SNs to you. One of the 5 1886 rifles is an 1886 ELW 45-70, with 22 in barrel. All are smokeless-era Winchesters, the rest being in 33 WCF.

Ridge