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September 19, 2014
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Like so many others (Hello, Mike!) I love very nice wood! I am betting you will be amazed at what comes back to you. Tim
October 14, 2024
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I have an ad placed in the Swap Meet section indicating that I would like to purchase a cocking piece for this rifle. I thought that I would also mention it in this thread as well.
Unfortunately, I was scammed when someone sent me a PM suggesting that I should contact a “Harold” who might be able to help me. Long story short: I was scammed out of my hard-earned money.
November 19, 2006
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kevindpm61 said
Thanks Steve. Actually, this rifle letters with a round barrel.
Kevin –
I do recall this but also seem to recall you had planned for an octagon barrel?
October 14, 2024
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I think that I will go with a round barrel to bring her back to original condition. Jim had indicated to me that the round barrel configuration was rarer than the octagonal.
November 19, 2006
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kevindpm61 said
I think that I will go with a round barrel to bring her back to original condition. Jim had indicated to me that the round barrel configuration was rarer than the ogtaconal.
The round barrel choice makes the most sense.
October 14, 2024
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Well, the Hotchkiss made the postal trip out to Cody unscathed. I will admit that I was nervous shipping the rifle out to Doug. I tried to be pretty meticulous about packing her up for transit.
I can breathe a sigh of relief now that it arrived. Now, the waiting game begins.
September 19, 2014
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Kevin, I can feel your angst from here! Now you should be able to rest a bit easier! Tim
December 9, 2002
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Like many here, I can’t wait to see this finished project.
You made a great choice sending it to Mark! IMO!
Anthony
October 14, 2024
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Thanks guys. I’ve never met Mark, but I get good “vibes” about him and the work that they do at the Wyoming Armory. I think that I’m going to go down the black powder cartridge rabbit hole with this rifle. I’ve shot and hunted with muzzle loaders for almost 50 years but haven’t done much with BPC. I reload and cast my own bullets for most of the cartridges that I shoot. Why not give it a try?
It will be interesting to see how black powder loads and reduced smokeless powder loads compare in the accuracy department. I’m sure that there is a learning curve regarding BPC reloading. I do intend to eventually take this rifle deer hunting here in PA
November 7, 2015
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kevindpm61 said
Thanks guys. I’ve never met Mark, but I get good “vibes” about him and the work that they do at the Wyoming Armory. I think that I’m going to go down the black powder cartridge rabbit hole with this rifle. I’ve shot and hunted with muzzle loaders for almost 50 years but haven’t done much with BPC. I reload and cast my own bullets for most of the cartridges that I shoot. Why not give it a try?It will be interesting to see how black powder loads and reduced smokeless powder loads compare in the accuracy department. I’m sure that there is a learning curve regarding BPC reloading. I do intend to eventually take this rifle deer hunting here in PA
You’ll need to plan a trip to Cody sometime soon, if you schedule it during the Cody show you may be able to meet several of the folks on this forum along with another hundred or so WACA members. On top of that it’s a great show and there’s this museum in town that is pretty awesome! In my experience Mark is the same likeable, honest guy we enjoy in his videos.
I believe you’ve been warned about BPCR’s, buckle your seat belt and enjoy the ride! Mike Venturino and Steve Garbe wrote a BPCR Primer awhile back that does a great job of explaining the basics of BPCR casting, loading and shooting. If it’s out of print I’m sure they are available on the secondary market.
Mike
October 14, 2024
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My wife and I made a trip to Yellowstone in September of last year. We were able to spend a week out in the area, and we made trips out to Cody and Jackson Hole. We had a wonderful time.
We visited the Cody Museum and spent several hours among the 5 areas. I could have easily spent all my time in the firearms museum. I was surprised how much my wife actually enjoyed the firearm exhibits. She called me over at one point and mentioned that she found a Newton like I have. I was surprised that she remembered that I own one.
November 7, 2015
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Yes, anything less than a day in the CFM will result in planning a return trip before you clear the parking lot. The new exhibit style is designed to engage visitors of all interest and knowledge levels, I’m glad your wife enjoyed it. The other museums are first rate as well, some of the travelling art exhibits that stop there are nothing short of awesome. I hope you’ll consider becoming a museum member, as a bonus your WACA membership gets you additional searches in their records section.
Mike
November 19, 2006
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Kevin –
Had you seen this one? Sold for $4270 (which included the juice):
https://bid.poulinauctions.com/WINCHESTER-HOTCHKISS-1ST-MODEL-BOLT-ACTION_i52743832
December 9, 2002
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Pretty interesting Steve!
This is the one I posted a little while ago, in the upcoming auctions, that closed last night!
https://www.wardscollectibles.com/auction/A100/viewitem.php?item=4430
Anthony
October 14, 2024
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Steve, I did not see the WH at Poulin. Thanks for sharing. It doesn’t look as though the wrist is cracked like most of the 1st and 2nd models that I’ve seen. Personally, I prefer the appearance and the strength of the 1883.
It would be nice to see these old WH bolt actions bring more money at auction, but it doesn’t surprise me. I collect firearms that I like. I rarely sell anything that I buy, so I’m not necessarily looking at them as investments.
November 19, 2006
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Anthony said
Pretty interesting Steve!
This is the one I posted a little while ago, in the upcoming auctions, that closed last night!
https://www.wardscollectibles.com/auction/A100/viewitem.php?item=4430
Anthony
I note it sold well under auction estimate. The main problem is it doesn’t have a lever on it 
November 19, 2006
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kevindpm61 said
Steve, I did not see the WH at Poulin. Thanks for sharing. It doesn’t look as though the wrist is cracked like most of the 1st and 2nd models that I’ve seen. Personally, I prefer the appearance and the strength of the 1883.It would be nice to see these old WH bolt actions bring more money at auction, but it doesn’t surprise me. I collect firearms that I like. I rarely sell anything that I buy, so I’m not necessarily looking at them as investments.
I found the turned-down bolt and tang sight quite interesting.
October 14, 2024
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I’m sure that the fact the rifle was missing a lever was a big reason for the final price. I noticed the tang sight right away. I wish that the 1883 was drilled for a tang sight. If I could find a spare cocking piece, I could easily attach bolt sight like I did on a couple of my Mannlicher Schoenauers.
October 14, 2024
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Nothing new to report regarding the WH 1883. I just watched Mark’s most recent video where he discussed an 1895 that he purchased that is going to need a replacement barrel and how he’s going to have to determine the original profile. Kind of a similar situation to my rifle. The waiting is the hardest part!
October 14, 2024
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Mark contacted me today to let me know that work has started on my rifle! Sounds like the wait for a custom contoured barrel will be 4-6 months. Just before he sent me the text, I was just thinking about the rifle.
