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Bert Do you know the last 1885 flatspring by Date , and ser #? I realize there was a transition period that was pretty well switched over to coil by 1908? My flatspring Schuetzen Ser#107219 was applied Jan 25 1908 , received in warehouse May 29 1909.
As I understand the change was mostly done to be able to offer the perceived desireable Take-down feature ?
Other reasons for change ? pressure for (safety feature ?) the hammer rest in half-cock ? cheaper to manufacture?
Thanks
Phil
Phil,
The transition from the flat-spring actions to the coil-spring actions took place over many years. In fact, there were still flat-spring actions assembled as late as 1920 (near the end of the Model 1885 production). Based on my observations over the past many years, I have encountered dozens of late production (post 1910) sporting rifles that were flat-spring actions. I would estimate that roughly 50% of the Sporting Rifles made through the year 1914 are flat-spring actions (up to serial number 115000). After that time, they become increasingly rarer, but a few still show up.
As for the reason why the coil-spring action was created, it was specifically for the Take Down feature. At some point after 1910, Winchester decided to make all actions for the coil-spring, and marked the “A” on the end of the lower tang. I have found several late production factory original flat-spring actions that have the “A” on the lower tang… in fact, I own one (114429).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks BERT Is yours a third model Schuetzen with slightly different stock , and last Laudensack Butt ? any other changes ? Mine letters with Helm , and I believe its a standard 2nd model ?
Phil
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