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1885 in 35 WCF with number 3 1/2 round barrel

deerhunter

Troutdale, OR

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February 24, 2015 - 10:12 pm

Here’s an interesting one. Never seen an 1885 with a number 3 1/2 barrel before.

https://www.proxibid.com/asp/LotDetail.asp?ahid=8940&aid=92620&lid=23772678&rts=/asp/searchadvanced_i.asp%23searchid%3D37558267%26type%3Dlot%26search%3Dwinchester%26sort%3Drelevance%26view%3Dgallery%26length%3D25%26start%3D526%26refine%3D#

Bert H.

Kingston, WA

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February 25, 2015 - 2:20 am

Don,

The 3 1/2 barrel size was used for the 35 WCF and 4054 WCF only.

Bert

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pdog72

Wyoming - Gods Country

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February 25, 2015 - 2:35 am

Any idea why only these two calibers?

Also, were there 1/2 weight increments between all the barrel weights………. I’m sure I read this in Campbell’s book but have already forgotten 75% of it, information overload I guess.

~Gary~

Bert H.

Kingston, WA

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February 25, 2015 - 3:12 am

Gary,

Both the 35 WCF and 405 WCF were relatively high pressure (potent) cartridges, and Winchester apparently though it would be a good idea to make them with a slightly beefier barrel diameter. The No. 3 1/2 barrel is the same diameter as a No. 4 barrel at the breech, and it tapers down to a No. 3 at the muzzle. One could call it a “rapid taper” No. 4. It is the only barrel size with a 1/2 increment.

Bert

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L

deerhunter

Troutdale, OR

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February 25, 2015 - 4:46 pm

Thanks Bert–very interesting. Now if only the 35WCF and 405 WCF had a 3 1/2 recoil pad… Laugh