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i am looking to purchase a Winchester Model 1866 rifle (24″ barrel, crescent butt plate) which has a saddle ring on the receiver. Is this rifle likely to be originally manufactured with this feature. I would post photos if it was easy.
It did happen on early 66’s. if you send me the pictures I can post them.
Bob
1866’s above 125,000 S/N can be lettered and would answer your question. If the gun is under 125,000 you have to consider several possibilities. It could be a carbine or musket frame converted by Bubba the gun tinkerer to a rifle. It could be a carbine or musket frame used by the factory to build a rifle, if so the staple holes are plugged and Bubba installed the staple and ring. It could be special order. Look at the whole gun, it will talk to you. Is it honest or the work of Bubba? T/R
George Madis writes in his book on page 81 that a ‘C’ stamped on the left side of the lower tang denotes a carbine frame. I personally have seen “C” next to the assembly number on the lower tang but not always. Some people have said a “R” means rifle, I have seen exceptions to this rule, take it with a grain of salt. T/R
Thanks for the quick replies. The gun is being sold online and I haven’t held it in my hands or even seen quality photos yet. I am mildly interested but also maninly curious if a saddle ring is likely on a Model 66 with otherwise rifle features. I will try to get additional information. The gun is located in Canada.
This is serial number 130616 in October of 2009. I assume it looks different now
Bob
Bob, Thanks….hmmm the seller now says he isn’t sure of the serial number because the numbers are faint. I think I’ll walk away.
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