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Wonderful condition, wonderfully rare chambering, wonderful sights (that letter). This is darn near a collection in itself. Nice pieces are out there!
The rear tang sight does not letter… it was added after the fact. Based on the factory letter, it should have a Lyman tang sight (most likely an early No. 2). I do like the caliber though.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
steve004 said
This is darn near a collection in itself.
Hard to see that–merely a standard sporting rifle in exceptional condition. The chambering may be scarce, but that’s because shooters of the time weren’t impressed with it, otherwise there’d have been more of them made.
The No. 7 Lyman front sight isn’t earlier than 1889, so both sights are non-original.
clarence said
steve004 said
This is darn near a collection in itself.Hard to see that–merely a standard sporting rifle in exceptional condition. The chambering may be scarce, but that’s because shooters of the time weren’t impressed with it, otherwise there’d have been more of them made.
The No. 7 Lyman front sight isn’t earlier than 1889, so both sights are non-original.
I agree with Clarence… the front sight cannot be original to the rifle either. That stated, the sights that are on it now are worth a fair amount of $$$.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
That stated, the sights that are on it now are worth a fair amount of $$$.
Great point, and I might add on many single-shot rifles the sights were carried separate and changed to suit the shooter. I like the gun. T/R
I’ll tell you one thing that is rare. It is very rare that I post a topic and don’t learn something. Thank you for the comments.
I too, like the rifle. I would like it better if the sights lettered.
TR said
Great point, and I might add on many single-shot rifles the sights were carried separate and changed to suit the shooter. I like the gun. T/R
You’re talking about single-purpose match rifles, not ordinary hunting rifles such as this one.
November 7, 2015
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Nice rifle, price pretty reasonable (for now) and the condition is exceptionally nice. Cartridge sounds interesting, need to do some reading.
Mike
TR said
Great point, and I might add on many single-shot rifles the sights were carried separate and changed to suit the shooter. I like the gun. T/R
Who cares that the sights don’t letter. What is has now are more cool and if it really bothers someone they can find the originals and sell these to me. Here is a picture of a 38 EX next to a 45-90.
Chuck, Well said. The picture of the two rounds explains why it wasn’t used in a 86. T/R
WOW! Just imagine what the value of this would have been had it had it’s original sights! What a shame someone would destroy the value of such a fine piece by installing better sights. If the person who purchased this fine piece were to install the proper sights, would that increase the value substantially or has the value been lowered permanently? Roger B
rogertherelic said
WOW! Just imagine what the value of this would have been had it had it’s original sights! What a shame someone would destroy the value of such a fine piece by installing better sights. If the person who purchased this fine piece were to install the proper sights, would that increase the value substantially or has the value been lowered permanently? Roger B
Something like this is a great example of different strokes for different folks. Some bidders may well have bid higher because it has the sights on it that it has. The sights on it are more valuable than the original sights (i.e. if sold apart from the rifle). For me, I’d have preferred the sights original to the rifle. I do understand why others think in the other direction on this point.
rogertherelic said
If the person who purchased this fine piece were to install the proper sights, would that increase the value substantially or has the value been lowered permanently? Roger B
Roger,
I do not believe that the sights on it hurt the value one iota, and taking them off and putting the “original” sights back on it (not really possible), would not increase the value of the rifle
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Good looking rifle and caliber. Have to admit Im not familiar with all the 1885 chamberings.
Just my opinion, removing sights on a rifle like this one and restoring them to an original configuration only takes away from the character and personalization of the gun. At present you have a great looking gun in a rarer (?) caliber, with a customized selection of sights (hopefully selected as a preference by the original shooter). Remove the sights and your left with the condition of the gun and caliber. The selection of the sights only adds to the rifle’s story behind the owner and how it was used.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
1892takedown said
At present you have a great looking gun in a rarer (?) caliber, with a customized selection of sights (hopefully selected as a preference by the original shooter).
Put there by the original owner I’d view as an enhancement, put there by some later owner or dealer to increase value isn’t the same–but there’s no way to tell the difference.
But the modification should at least be acknowledged, & the seller was implying that the gun was untouched since leaving the factory.
I really don’t think that changing sights is a modification. Modifications are something you can’t reverse. You can find period correct sights if you wish and nobody would ever know. The ones that Winchester put on the gun would be nice though but the value would not go up.
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