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December 9, 2024
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Its my first 1885 serial number 45821.
24” octagon barrel, appears to be original condition hint of silver colored finish on the reciever, tang sight.
you can barely read 2 SHORT on the barrel.
the bore is pretty bad, I cleaned it and fired a 22 short through it. It seemed like it barely came out of the barrel. I put a 22 long rifle in it which chambered no problem. Same thing, kinda popped. When I put a 22 long rifle in the muzzle theres noticeable slop back and forth on either side of the bullet.
my question is did they make a 25 short?
Also what are my options, I’d like to use it for a close range predator calling rifle. could I get it lined and chambered for 22 mag? I really like the 32-20 cartridge. How big a deal would it be to convert it to centerfire?
I really like the rifle, the way it points and balances.
December 9, 2002
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72,
I almost don’t know where to start first but I’m hoping others, and especially Bert will jump in as this is one of his main loves, passions, and specialties.
Take a look at the Winter 2021 article that Bert , put out, as he really nailed it on the M-1885 S.S. rifle. With 98 total cartridges that Winchester originally catalogued, for this wonderful model. It will really help you to understand you’re question.
Maybe slug the barrel if you can’t tell what caliber it is! At least use a micrometer at the muzzle, to try to determine what caliber you have!
Now here’s the part where I wanted to start, but hesitated.Here’s where I argue with myself a lot, as this is A Winchester Collector Forum. But we shoot, these great inventions, and here on the forum, we see that many get resurrected, and brought back to life, in a lot of different ways.
I have read where several have chosen to pick up a M-1885 S.S. and convert them to another caliber. I can understand taking a rifle that’s beat up or the barrel is shot out and wanting to, make it into what is convenient, to shoot., but too many of these, that only a lesser number were mfg to begin with, seem to get converted, to a caliber to shoot for convenience.
Bert shows a table of how many were mfg in each caliber, from factory records, and his ongoing survey, which to me is remarkable.
Some pictures would really help out also, and on top of the barrel where the caliber would be stamped, also.
Anthony
December 9, 2024
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December 9, 2002
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helidriver72 said
heres some pics
Besides some of what I suggested above, I was able to retrieve some numbers and information, by watching another one of Mark’s great videos, and by doing a little investigative research, on my own, as I really didn’t have the need for a $100.00 Bottle of, “Fry reagent”, that I’m sure is the expert way to do this, but, a little bit of Muriatic Acid, which is an ingredient in the product shown, worked just fine for me on a pitted and previously cleaned up firearm, that I really felt I could hurt any more or do any further damage. I wouldn’t use it or try it on a newer or higher condition piece. IMHO!
If you post you’re serial number, if visible, with pics, Bert might be able to verify the caliber, from the factory records, that he uses to help many of us with, on this wonderful model!
Might I add, that I use this method sparingly with caution, not to be too aggressive or in a hurry. A little on the sturdy Brown-ell’s Q-tips, that hold the tiny few drops , that I put into a very small container, (because you don’t want to breathe the fumes), and use just a little, without dripping all over as it’ll ruin good finishes as it’s corrosive, in a hurry! I happen to have a lot of previous experience with these corrosive products, in my past life! USE WITH CAUTION!!!
Anthony
December 9, 2024
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some pics under the barrel.
looks like RF under the spring.
a 22 mag will not go into the chamber at all.
I guess its just a really wallered out 22 short. Still looking for advice on getting it shooting, or maybe pass it on to someone who just likes to look at them?
I think the wood has had something put on it at some point, what say you guys?
April 15, 2005
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The low-wall rifle in question was manufactured as a 22 Short. Apparently (and like many of the early production .22 rim fire rifles), the bore is in very poor condition. The best option is to have it relined back to the original 22 Short rim fire. The next best option would be to have it relined for the 22 Long Rifle cartridge.
Converting a rim fire action & rifle to shoot a center fire cartridge is not a simple process, and it would require a new barrel, the correct extractor for the cartridge, and a center fire breech block and firing pin. All of the new parts would need to be properly fitted to the action.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 9, 2024
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Bert H. said
The low-wall rifle in question was manufactured as a 22 Short. Apparently (and like many of the early production .22 rim fire rifles), the bore is in very poor condition. The best option is to have it relined back to the original 22 Short rim fire. The next best option would be to have it relined for the 22 Long Rifle cartridge.
Converting a rim fire action & rifle to shoot a center fire cartridge is not a simple process, and it would require a new barrel, the correct extractor for the cartridge, and a center fire breech block and firing pin. All of the new parts would need to be properly fitted to the action.
Bert
So converting it to 22 magnum is pretty invasive as well?
April 15, 2005
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helidriver72 said
Bert H. said
The low-wall rifle in question was manufactured as a 22 Short. Apparently (and like many of the early production .22 rim fire rifles), the bore is in very poor condition. The best option is to have it relined back to the original 22 Short rim fire. The next best option would be to have it relined for the 22 Long Rifle cartridge.
Converting a rim fire action & rifle to shoot a center fire cartridge is not a simple process, and it would require a new barrel, the correct extractor for the cartridge, and a center fire breech block and firing pin. All of the new parts would need to be properly fitted to the action.
Bert
So converting it to 22 magnum is pretty invasive as well?
No, it is not nearly as invasive as converting to center fire. That stated, it requires a liner specifically made for the 22 Magnum (faster twist rate, and slightly larger bore diameter). The extractor may require a bit is extra fitting as well.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 9, 2024
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Thanks for all the response.
November 7, 2015
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Anthony-
To me it’s evident the SS is a victim of its own success. It’s a simple, sturdy action ideal for target shooting. Evidently target shooters took notice and the Single Shot is still found on the firing lines of almost any BPCR event you care to attend. Problem is, a competition firearm is almost never in its original conformation, at least not for long. The SS is easily modified and countless shooters and gunsmiths of varying ability have taken full advantage of that opportunity from its introduction. For me, that’s why an original SS is such a prize.
IMHO relining a ruined bore will not lessen the collector value. At this point it’s a relic wall hanger. With a relined barrel it can be enjoyed for its intended purpose for generations, if cared for. I enjoy looking at high condition specimens but it’s hard to beat quality time spent with a shooter at the range or in the field.
Mike
December 9, 2024
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I’m thinking I’ll reline and chamber this one for 22 long rifle and keep my eyes out for another one in 32-20 with a decent bore if thats possible to find. Or a centerfire one that is shot out that would be possible to line and chamber for 32-20.
November 7, 2015
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helidriver72 said
I’m thinking I’ll reline and chamber this one for 22 long rifle and keep my eyes out for another one in 32-20 with a decent bore if thats possible to find. Or a centerfire one that is shot out that would be possible to line and chamber for 32-20.
I agree, the 32WCF is a pretty cool cartridge and may fill the bill for close range varmints as well. Happy hunting!
Mike
December 9, 2002
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helidriver72 said
I’m thinking I’ll reline and chamber this one for 22 long rifle and keep my eyes out for another one in 32-20 with a decent bore if thats possible to find. Or a centerfire one that is shot out that would be possible to line and chamber for 32-20.
I like the way you’re thinking. .22 L.R. seems like a good choice to me. Especially with Bert’s recommendation.
TXGunNut said
Anthony-
To me it’s evident the SS is a victim of its own success. It’s a simple, sturdy action ideal for target shooting. Evidently target shooters took notice and the Single Shot is still found on the firing lines of almost any BPCR event you care to attend. Problem is, a competition firearm is almost never in its original conformation, at least not for long. The SS is easily modified and countless shooters and gunsmiths of varying ability have taken full advantage of that opportunity from its introduction. For me, that’s why an original SS is such a prize.
IMHO relining a ruined bore will not lessen the collector value. At this point it’s a relic wall hanger. With a relined barrel it can be enjoyed for its intended purpose for generations, if cared for. I enjoy looking at high condition specimens but it’s hard to beat quality time spent with a shooter at the range or in the field.
Mike
Mike ,
No argument from me, as I do value you’re opinion, as you always bring a very sound evaluation and reasonable shooters opinion, with experience to the table.I’ am absolutely in agreement, with the success of this great model, since it’s inception.
I also do not agree with the value of a relined barrel, as far as lessening it’s, “Collector Value”, as it does for me, and others that I know who are still actively collecting. IMHO!
I can completely understand having one relined to shoot it also, vs. hanging it on the wall, and not shooting it!
Different Strokes apply here in every aspect! IMO!
Anthony
November 7, 2015
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helidriver72 said
I’m thinking I’ll reline and chamber this one for 22 long rifle and keep my eyes out for another one in 32-20 with a decent bore if thats possible to find. Or a centerfire one that is shot out that would be possible to line and chamber for 32-20.
I agree, the 32WCF is a pretty cool cartridge and may fill the bill for close range varmints as well. Happy hunting!
Mike
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