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Need help on 1885 single shot
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Keith Davis
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January 18, 2026 - 6:24 pm
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Friend of mine took this rifle in on a partial payment he was owed and asked me for more info. I’ve determined it is 40-70 straight sharps. Serial number is 9938.IMG_2807.jpegIMG_2809.jpegIMG_2808.jpegIMG_2810.jpegIMG_2811.jpegIMG_2812.jpegIMG_2813.jpegIMG_2814.jpegIMG_2815.jpegIMG_2816.jpegIMG_2817.jpegIMG_2818.jpeg Any other information that can be provided would be most welcome including estimate of value in condition shown. Also suggestions on where to get a screw to replace the missing one on lower right side of the receiver. Thanks.

Keith Davis

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Bert H.
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January 18, 2026 - 6:46 pm
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Keith,

Single Shot s/n 9938 is listed in the factory records as a 40-70 Sharps Straight. It was received in the warehouse in April 1887, 30-inch No. 3 octagon barrel, single set trigger.

Based on the pictures, that old rifle is in hard used “brown” condition.  What does the bore look like?  Does the set trigger function correctly? What does the front sight look like?

For parts, contact the Wyoming Armory.

Bert

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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Keith Davis
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January 18, 2026 - 9:26 pm
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Thanks Bert. 
I’m relying on pics by others so can’t speak to the bore, trigger or sight conditions. Wish I could see it myself but it’s about 3000 miles away from me. 🙁

Your info helps and is appreciated.

Keith

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Chuck
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January 18, 2026 - 9:43 pm
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Keith Davis said
Thanks Bert. 
I’m relying on pics by others so can’t speak to the bore, trigger or sight conditions. Wish I could see it myself but it’s about 3000 miles away from me. 🙁
Your info helps and is appreciated.
Keith
  

Have him take a pic of the sight, test the set trigger if he can, and get a pic of the bore.  If no pic of the bore have him give you an estimate of it’s condition.  How much rifling is left and how much pitting.  The sight looks shaved down.  If he can’t figure out the set trigger after learning how it should work assume it is broke.  As long as the barrel has good rifling and no major pitting it may shoot ok.

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Bert H.
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January 18, 2026 - 11:10 pm
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Keith Davis said
Thanks Bert. 
I’m relying on pics by others so can’t speak to the bore, trigger or sight conditions. Wish I could see it myself but it’s about 3000 miles away from me. 🙁
Your info helps and is appreciated.
Keith
  

Almost any intact Single Shot high-wall is worth $1,500 these days.  If the set trigger is functional, the value goes up several hundred $$.\

Bert

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
High-walls-1-002-C-reduced2.jpg

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