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Why do 1885 case color guns seem to have more vibrant colors than 1886 or other Winchester’s? Could it be the alloy used to make the receivers?
I was always told that the 86 receiver had a high nickel content and that was why they didn’t hold their color. This was told to me by gun smiths that welded and cased colored guns. That being said, it could be a higher percentage of 85’s were used for target shooting while the 86’s went hunting. Just a guess. T/R
My guess would be less use/handling and less exposure to light because of the lighter use of the single shot guns. Thank you for sharing pictures of your very impressive Winchester’s. I have really enjoyed looking at them – you know how to take outstanding pictures – a lot nicer than the cell phone photos I submit occasionally! It is a blessing to know guys like you are preserving these old treasures for future generations. Burt
started47 said
The steel alloy for the black powder Model 1886 receiver frames was identical to the Model 1885 receiver frames. The Model 1885 Single Shot rifles were undoubtedly less frequently carried in the field on hunting trips… the standard 30-inch No. 3 barrels did not make them easy to use for everyday hunting trips.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
What caliber is the single shot on the bottom? I used to have a deluxe which I think was identical, including half-octagon, cheek piece stock, swiss butt and globe front sight. Mine was a 45-90 and I sold it many years ago because it had a terrible bore I could not live with. I always wondered how a gun could be so pristine on the outside (it was original and correct) and be so neglected on the inside. I don’t even have a single shot anymore but the next time I get to a good gun show I will at least look. I am not that much of a fan of the swiss butt. I like the one on the bottom in Bert’s signature page – just guessing, the bore in that one is probably perfect.Burt
Burt,
The bottom one with the cheek piece stock is 32/40 caliber with a mint bore. It letters exactly as is including the sights.
Burt Humphrey said
I like the one on the bottom in Bert’s signature page – just guessing, the bore in that one is probably perfect.Burt
You are correct… the bore is nearly 100% pristine. Due to the difficulty in finding ammo for it, the original owner traded it in in 1908 to a gun shop in North Dakota. It sat in the shop’s gun racks until 1928 when it was purchased by the then very elderly gentlemen I bought it from nearly 14-years ago. He paid $7 for it, and was told “No return, ammo is impossible to find!”. He mentioned that he searched high & low for ammo, and never found any. Consequently, it has remained unfired for more than 110-years. It is chambered for the 40-90 Ballard cartridge. In the years I have owned it, I found (and purchased) two original full 20-round boxes of WRACo 40-90 BAL cartridges.
The bottom rifle in started47’s picture is a Special Single Shot Rifle, and they were standard with a 1/2 octagon barrel, Swiss Cheek Piece and Swiss Butt plate. My high-wall is a Special Sporting Rifle, and the crescent butt plate was standard on them.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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