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November 3, 2015
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After 35 years, I’ve had 1873s, 1876s, 1886s, 1892s, 1894s as well as all of the early Winchester semi-autos and a couple Model 70s. No 1866s or 1895s. Original 1866s are pretty spendy and I could never justify one, not with my other addictions. However, while not cheap, the 1895 was still within reach. I don’t know why I waited so long to acquire one, especially after seeing examples (sometimes briefly) in the favorite movies of my youth like King Solomon’s Mines, Ride the High Country and Rough Riders, along with reading about Roosevelt in Africa, the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Rangers. I initially thought I wanted a carbine in 30-40 Krag, but at the end of the day, I had to go with a 405 with British proofs so chances are the rifle went to Africa or India. This one was made in 1904 – first year of the 405 – asked for a letter from Cody. The proofs are interesting because there is reference to Laflin & Rand. A gun powder manufacturer. I’ve never seen this before. See second photo.
After reading about this caliber I knew I wanted a couple of things. First, it had to have the shotgun butt plate. Second, it had to have a Lyman 21 sight. This rifle didn’t have the latter but it was too nice to pass up. The Lymans seem to be pretty rare but I’m keeping a lookout for one. I have not shot it yet, only having some pre-1932 Winchester rounds at the moment, but I’m thinking about ordering some newly produced Hornady. Has anyone used the Hornady in their old rifles? How about the Buffalo Bore 405 ammunition? Any advice or comments would by welcome. First photo is my ode to turn of the 20th century hunting in India with an old Bombay Bowler, period shikar book with notes about prey in India, blackbuck horns, 405 solids and soft points with WRA Co. headstamps in a Heiser cartridge belt, and Gurkha Kukri knife.
Thanks for looking!
JohnL
WACA No. 9886. Constantly learning about Model 1907 and Model 1910 Self-Loading Rifles.
April 15, 2005
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John,
You disappoint me… apparently, you do not have a Winchester Single Shot rifle in your collection as it too is missing from your list of Winchester models.
In regard to your question about the current Hornady 405 ammo, it is loaded to the exact same specifications as the original Winchester factory ammo 120+ years ago. I have shot more than 5 boxes of it in my original Single Shot (high-wall) rifle (which it shoots extremely accurately).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
August 14, 2021
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Agree with Bert, Also I would stay away from Buffalo Bore.
November 3, 2015
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Bert and Steven,
Thank you for the replies and confirming the Hornady ammo is ok to shoot in these beautiful old rifles. I’ve been a disappointment to a lot of people, mostly wives. I’ll have to take another look at the single shots.
Best,
John
WACA No. 9886. Constantly learning about Model 1907 and Model 1910 Self-Loading Rifles.
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