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November 11, 2012
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Bert,
I picked up an 1885 receiver in my favorite style, octagon top and paneled. It has a tang that was either a replacement or the serial number polished off and now has a hand stamped serial number of 43682. Could you tell me what configuration this rifle left the factory in? It’s possible that the serial number on it has nothing to do with its configuration but I thought it would be worth asking. Also, approximately how many octagon top, paneled receivers left the factory? Thanks.
April 15, 2005
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Don,
Single Shot s/n 43682 was a high-wall rifle chambered for the 32 WCF cartridge. It had a 28″ No. 3 octagon barrel, SST.
It is not possible to determine precisely how many were manufactured with the panel-sided octagon frame ring. There were (4) different types of receiver frames used for the early production Single Shot rifles;
1. Thick-side frame, octagon ring.
2. Thick-side frame, round ring.
3. Panel-side frame, octagon ring.
4. Panel-side frame, round ring.
The octagon ring frames are typically found in the first 20,000 serial numbers, but a small number of specimens have been found well into the 70,000 serial range. Winchester did not differentiate in their records which type of receiver frame was used. Over the past 45-years, I have encountered several hundred with the octagon frame ring high-walls.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 9, 2002
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Old-Win,
Thanks for posting, as I to enjoy the S.S. M-1885 rifles, as several have found they’re way into my humble collection. I like all of the configurations, and tend to favor the the Oct. top ring, in the Thick sided receiver, in the rifle, more than on the Musket, that many are seen on. It will be interesting to see the progress that you make with you’re rifle, and hopefully some pictures.
Bert,
Thanks for the follow up information, with some great added pictures. I always enjoy this.
Anthony
