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September 22, 2011
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Since there is such a wide variety of these fascinating rifles to choose from, what is the number 1 rifle, caliber and/or configuration, you would want? Then, how about your top 6, and then, if motivated enough, your top 12. If you are starting out and had to have only one, and six, and then 12, or perhaps you have collected these already.
Here’s my number 1 pick:
I couldn’t afford this one, however.
More later on a top 6 pick I obtained earlier today.
March 31, 2009
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High wall, antique, half octagon, fancy checkered pistol grip, rifle butt. Set trigger would be nice. Any of the American 50 cals. Any of the 3 express cals 38, 40, or 45. 45-90 or 45-70. Take down would be nice.
If 405 cal it won’t be antique or have an octagon bbl.
November 19, 2006
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mrcvs said
Since there is such a wide variety of these fascinating rifles to choose from, what is the number 1 rifle, caliber and/or configuration, you would want? Then, how about your top 6, and then, if motivated enough, your top 12. If you are starting out and had to have only one, and six, and then 12, or perhaps you have collected these already.Here’s my number 1 pick:
I couldn’t afford this one, however.
More later on a top 6 pick I obtained earlier today.
This one sure exceeded auction estimate. I was confident it would although I didn’t know by how much.
My number 1 pick would be the .577 Eley.
Next several picks would be the various .50 calibers.
After that, the .405 and .33 WCF.
November 1, 2013
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steve004 said
This one sure exceeded auction estimate.
But only by 3 or 4 times. Are those guys professional appraisers, or what? Priced any .577 lately? If I can’t shoot it cheaply, I don’t want it. Make mine a double-deuce.
September 22, 2011
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Well, I had wanted a High Wall in .38-55 for a LONG time. With features…
Here is what I ended up with, with a No 2 barrel.
I would have preferred ANTIQUE with a case coloured recever, but this one isn’t bad, 1909 production.
November 1, 2013
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mrcvs said
I would have preferred ANTIQUE with a case coloured recever, but this one isn’t bad, 1909 production.
Oh, I guess I could live with that one! Though usually I prefer full engraving.
February 19, 2013
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I guess I would let that stay a few nights in my safe…..
January 13, 2010
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I already got it. Special order features:
25-35
takedown
set triggers
shotgun butt
sling swivel eyes
September 22, 2011
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Okay, some have replied, but there are so many different calibers and configurations, to make it simpler, if you were to purchase ANY five actually out there, what would they be? Not necessarily one you own or have seen, but actually exist in caliber or configuration. So as to not limit to one, nor be too cumbersome.
.38-55 was a top affordable pick. Any added features are welcome. I already have a .32-40 which is essential given the era. And I have a .38-40. I would guess that the next one should be one chambered in a black powder Model 1886 round such as .40-65 or .40-82. The .38-56 in low wall configuration offered for sale not too long ago was certainly intriguing, but I was only aware of it after it had sold.
November 19, 2006
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mrcvs said
Okay, some have replied, but there are so many different calibers and configurations, to make it simpler, if you were to purchase ANY five actually out there, what would they be? Not necessarily one you own or have seen, but actually exist in caliber or configuration. So as to not limit to one, nor be too cumbersome..38-55 was a top affordable pick. Any added features are welcome. I already have a .32-40 which is essential given the era. And I have a .38-40. I would guess that the next one should be one chambered in a black powder Model 1886 round such as .40-65 or .40-82. The .38-56 in low wall configuration offered for sale not too long ago was certainly intriguing, but I was only aware of it after it had sold.
I never forgot about that particular rifle either 
November 13, 2008
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Great topic.
I already have my dream 1885. I knew about it for 25 years and finally purchased it this year. 
Jeremy Scott.
WACA LIFE MEMBER, CFM MEMBER, ABKA MEMBER, JSSC MEMBER, MNO HISTORIAN
September 22, 2011
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Jeremy Scott. said
Great topic.I already have my dream 1885. I knew about it for 25 years and finally purchased it this year.
And photographs of it, please.
November 19, 2006
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I’d like to hear more about, “chambered for everlasting shell.”
November 1, 2013
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steve004 said
I’d like to hear more about, “chambered for everlasting shell.”
A case with thicker brass than standard cases. They didn’t expand enough to require re-sizing until fired many times. The case mouth couldn’t be crimped for use in tubular mags, so were generally reserved for SSs.
November 19, 2006
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clarence said
steve004 said
I’d like to hear more about, “chambered for everlasting shell.”
A case with thicker brass than standard cases. They didn’t expand enough to require re-sizing until fired many times. The case mouth couldn’t be crimped for use in tubular mags, so were generally reserved for SSs.
So Winchester made the chamber differently? How? What would happen if a standard .32-40 cartridge was chambered and fired?
November 7, 2015
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I have a better Single Shot than I was hoping for in a cartridge that wasn’t what I was looking for. It probably suits me better than the SS I was looking for and quite honestly I’m not looking for another. I feel very fortunate to have my dream 1885 and there’s not one on my bucket list. If there’s one on your list, happy hunting!
Mike
November 1, 2013
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steve004 said
So Winchester made the chamber differently? How? What would happen if a standard .32-40 cartridge was chambered and fired?
How could ammo makers have sold these cases if a special chamber was required? They were made to be fired in standard chambers. I think the Ideal Co. probably invented them, & any early Ideal handbook will explain their use.
November 19, 2006
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clarence said
steve004 said
So Winchester made the chamber differently? How? What would happen if a standard .32-40 cartridge was chambered and fired?
How could ammo makers have sold these cases if a special chamber was required? They were made to be fired in standard chambers. I think the Ideal Co. probably invented them, & any early Ideal handbook will explain their use.
Yes, that is basically how I understood it worked. My question is focused on the Cody ledger that states, “chambered for everlasting shell”. How was it chambered for that shell? It implies to me that by specifying this – they did something different from standard.
November 1, 2013
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steve004 said Yes, that is basically how I understood it worked. My question is focused on the Cody ledger that states, “chambered for everlasting shell”. How was it chambered for that shell? It implies to me that by specifying this – they did something different from standard.
I think Jeremy will have to tell us whether there’s any diff. Match guns were sometimes specially chambered for use with breech-seated bullets, but that wouldn’t pertain to Everlasting cases.
April 15, 2005
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It is my belief that the chambers specifically made for the Everlasting Shells were slightly larger in diameter than the standard chambers. I am also of the opinion that the Everlasting Shell was a Ballard creation. Thus far, the only Winchester rifles I have documented chambered for an Everlasting cartridge are the 32-40, 38-55, 40-63 (a derivative of the 40-70 Ballard), and the 40-85 (a derivative of the 40-90 Ballard).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
