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November 1, 2013
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Bert H. said
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).
You’re memory is better than mine–they were developed by Marlin in 1876. Dutcher devotes several pages to them, & noted that some users (but evidently a minority) complained that fired cases sometimes stuck in the chamber, which would provide a reason for requesting an oversize chamber. But if the fired cases did not expand in the way standard cases did, I wonder why they would be more prone to sticking? The loss of powder capacity in the 40-63 & 40-85 was due to the change from balloon to solid head case design.
November 13, 2008
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Bert H. said
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
Yes you are correct Bert.
The standard 32-40 falls in rather loose. The chamber size on the 32-40 everlasting is noticeably larger. I dont think I would attempt to shoot a standard 32-40 in this one as I think it would punch the shell in the breech and not eject resulting in having to pry it out.
Jeremy Scott.
WACA LIFE MEMBER, CFM MEMBER, ABKA MEMBER, JSSC MEMBER, MNO HISTORIAN
November 19, 2006
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Jeremy Scott. said
Bert H. said
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
Yes you are correct Bert.
The standard 32-40 falls in rather loose. The chamber size on the 32-40 everlasting is noticeably larger. I dont think I would attempt to shoot a standard 32-40 in this one as I think it would punch the shell in the breech and not eject resulting in having to pry it out.
Ah – yes, I appreciate your information. Bert’s as well. That was the answer I was looking for – makes sense too.
January 27, 1992
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My desire was to find a nice 1885 in 22 W.R.F.. Not an easy find as I thought it would be. The rifle may lack the high condition finish that so many desire, but it does have some unique features. Serial number 96715. RDB
April 15, 2005
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rogertherelic said
My desire was to find a nice 1885 in 22 W.R.F.. Not an easy find as I thought it would be. The rifle may lack the high condition finish that so many desire, but it does have some unique features. RDB P.S. Just discovered my pictures are too large to post. I will add some when possible.
Interesting that it is a high-wall rifle, as the vast majority of the (669) manufactured in that cartridge were low-walls.
Please send the pictures to me.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
September 22, 2011
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Bert,
It would be interesting to hear if you were assembling a collection of Winchester 1885 single shot rifles, what caliber and configuration would be “must haves” for you if you were to limit yourself to only perhaps a dozen or so? Or perhaps a half dozen or so? Or, if you could have only one, what would that be?
Or, perhaps you have already obtained those on your bucket list and, if so, which would be the last one or the last few you would sell?
November 1, 2013
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Bert H. said
Interesting that it is a high-wall rifle, as the vast majority of the (669) manufactured in that cartridge were low-walls.
If the customer ordered a #3 wt brl, it would have to be built on the HW rcvr. Though I can think of no good reason for choosing a #3 for this cartridge.
November 19, 2006
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clarence said
Bert H. said
Interesting that it is a high-wall rifle, as the vast majority of the (669) manufactured in that cartridge were low-walls.
If the customer ordered a #3 wt brl, it would have to be built on the HW rcvr. Though I can think of no good reason for choosing a #3 for this cartridge.
The above statement makes me think about Bob’s extra-heavy barreled M1873 in .22 rimfire.
April 15, 2005
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mrcvs said
Bert,It would be interesting to hear if you were assembling a collection of Winchester 1885 single shot rifles, what caliber and configuration would be “must haves” for you if you were to limit yourself to only perhaps a dozen or so? Or perhaps a half dozen or so? Or, if you could have only one, what would that be?
Or, perhaps you have already obtained those on your bucket list and, if so, which would be the last one or the last few you would sell?
Ian,
Over the past 40+ years, I have assembled a decent collection of Winchester Single Shot rifles (well more than just a “dozen or so”). While I do not have every variation (yet), that would be my goal. That stated, I usually buy any decently priced Single Shot I find that is still 100% factory original regardless of the caliber (an uncommon find today).
To assemble a complete collection, this is my list;
1. Plain Sporting Rifle high-wall (solid frame and Take Down)
2. Plain Sporting Rifle low-wall (Solid frame and Take Down)
3. Special Sporting Rifle high-wall
4. Special Sporting Rifle low-wall
5. Special Single Shot Rifle high-wall
6. Special Single Shot Rifle low-wall
7. Schuetzen Rifle 1st variation
8. Schuetzen Rifle 2nd variation
9. Schuetzen Rifle 3rd variation (Take Down)
10. Lightweight Carbine
11. Musket (center fire)
12. Winder Musket 1st variation (Solid frame and Take Down)
13. Winder Musket 2nd variation (Solid frame and Take Down)
14. Winder Musket 3rd variation
15. Shotgun (Solid frame and Take Down
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
September 22, 2011
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Bert H. said
mrcvs said
Bert,
It would be interesting to hear if you were assembling a collection of Winchester 1885 single shot rifles, what caliber and configuration would be “must haves” for you if you were to limit yourself to only perhaps a dozen or so? Or perhaps a half dozen or so? Or, if you could have only one, what would that be?
Or, perhaps you have already obtained those on your bucket list and, if so, which would be the last one or the last few you would sell?
Ian,
Over the past 40+ years, I have assembled a decent collection of Winchester Single Shot rifles (well more than just a “dozen or so”). While I do not have every variation (yet), that would be my goal. That stated, I usually buy any decently priced Single Shot I find that is still 100% factory original regardless of the caliber (an uncommon find today).
To assemble a complete collection, this is my list;
1. Plain Sporting Rifle high-wall (solid frame and Take Down)
2. Plain Sporting Rifle low-wall (Solid frame and Take Down)
3. Special Sporting Rifle high-wall
4. Special Sporting Rifle low-wall
5. Special Single Shot Rifle high-wall
6. Special Single Shot Rifle low-wall
7. Schuetzen Rifle 1st variation
8. Schuetzen Rifle 2nd variation
9. Schuetzen Rifle 3rd variation (Take Down)
10. Lightweight Carbine
11. Musket (center fire)
12. Winder Musket 1st variation (Solid frame and Take Down)
13. Winder Musket 2nd variation (Solid frame and Take Down)
14. Winder Musket 3rd variation
15. Shotgun (Solid frame and Take Down
Bert
Much thanks, Bert! I really appreciate this thoughtful and in depth response.
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