clarence said
Only if the “W” had been worn away somehow. Markings for “Long” & “Short” are spelled out or abbreviated, not just “RF.”
Not true! All of the early production low-wall barrels were marked “22 CAL. R.F.” or “22 CAL.”, which was the original designation for the 22 Short. The 22 Long and 22 Long Rifle were introduced at later dates, and that is when Winchester changed the caliber designation stamp to 22 SHORT.
In order of use…
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Not true! All of the early production low-wall barrels were marked “22 CAL. R.F.” or “22 CAL.”, which was the original designation for the 22 Short. The 22 Long and 22 Long Rifle were introduced at later dates, and that is when Winchester changed the caliber designation stamp to 22 SHORT.
Thanks for correcting my error–it’s a marking I’ve never seen. I know L.R. & W.R.F. were post-1885 introductions, but by or before 1885, Rem (1878), Marlin, & Stevens catalogs are showing .22 Long & Extra Long chamberings, so .22 Short was not the “only” .22RF on the market when Winchester’s began M. 1885 production.
clarence said
Thanks for correcting my error–it’s a marking I’ve never seen. I know L.R. & W.R.F. were post-1885 introductions, but by or before 1885, Rem (1878), Marlin, & Stevens catalogs are showing .22 Long & Extra Long chamberings, so .22 Short was not the “only” .22RF on the market when Winchester’s began M. 1885 production.
Winchester marked all of the 22 Long chambered low-walls “22 LONG”, and the early Extra Long chambered rifles were marked “22 CAL. R.F. XL”
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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