Based on my current survey results, at least (856) were made. That is in comparison to the (3,172) Special Sporting Rifles, and (513) Schuetzen Rifles made. Undoubtedly, these numbers will increase slightly as I continue to gather information.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Manuel said
What do you mean by the term “special”? Does this mean deluxe or just a special order like extra length barrel?
Winchester manufactured four different grades (variations) of the Model 1885 Single Shot rifle;
1. Plain Sporting Rifle
2. Special Sporting Rifle
3. Special Single Shot Rifle
4. Schuetzen Rifle
Winchester never referred to the higher grade rifles as “deluxe”. Each variation was manufactured with a specific set of standard features as listed in the Winchester catalogs. Specifically, the “Special Single Shot Rifle” was standard with the following features;
1. 30″ No. 3 half-octagon barrel
2. Fancy (3X) H-pattern checkered stocks
3. Pistol Grip & Swiss Cheek Piece butt stock
4. Nickel plated Swiss butt plate
5. No rear sight seat, Mid-range Vernier tang sight and a Winchester Wind Gauge globe
Any other features found would be a special order item (e.g. set trigger, extra length barrel, different size barrel, etc.)
The list price in the April 1900 catalog (No. 65) for a Special Single Sporting Rifle was $45.00 (versus $30.00 for a Special Sporting Rifle, or $63.00 for a Schuetzen Rifle).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
clarence said
Wouldn’t one built on the LW action be considered especially rare?
Not really… 26.5% of all Special Sporting Rifles were low-walls (849). A low-wall Take Down Special Sporting Rifle could be considered “rare” though, as only (25) of them were made.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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