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December 20, 2014
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I found a 1885 for sale with 25wcf stamped on the barrel,s/n 44666(built in 1890).
My question is; can a 1885 be chambered 25-20 and be built in 1890.
I was thinking of buying the rifle,but not till I know if it is right.
Thanks
Bill
September 22, 2011
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No. .25-20 did not come out until about 1895.
January 26, 2011
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I believe the 25 WCF was actually the 25-20 SS cartridge in the ’85’s rather the 25-20 WCF you are thinking of. The 25-20 SS probably was available in 1890. I’ll have to dig out some books to confirm though. There’s been past discussion about this very subject on here before.
~Gary~
April 15, 2005
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Bill,
The Model 1885 rifle you are looking at is chambered for the 25-20 S.S. cartridge. Winchester first began chambering rifles for the 25-20 S.S. in the year 1890, and they marked them all “25 W.C.F.” Serial number 44666 is listed as a 25-20, octagon barrel, 28″, No. 2.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
May 23, 2009
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Bert H. said
Bill,
The Model 1885 rifle you are looking at is chambered for the 25-20 S.S. cartridge. Winchester first began chambering rifles for the 25-20 S.S. in the year 1890, and they marked them all “25 W.C.F.” Serial number 44666 is listed as a 25-20, octagon barrel, 28″, No. 2.
Bert
Bert,
The .25-20 S.S. (Single Shot) was introduced/invented in year 1882. So how do you know for certain Winchester started chambering rifles in the year 1890? Why wouldn’t they have started chambering rifles since the year 1885?
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
April 15, 2005
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Very simple… I completed a 100% survey of the Model 1885 serial numbers 1 – 109999 almost two years ago, and I know exactly when, and how many of each of the (91) total different cartridges were chambered in the Model 1885 Single Shot. Serial number 40445 was received in the warehouse on August 19th, 1890, and it was the first Model 1885 manufactured in the 25-20 S.S. cartridge.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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