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October 14, 2024
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I was surfing the net tonight when I stumbled upon this 1885 for sale on Gunsinternational.
Winchester Model 1885 antique special order for sale
I’m not interested in purchasing it, but I find it very attractive. I would like to hear what others think.
March 31, 2009
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It is very nice looking. A number 2 barrel is not a heavy barrel. If someone wanted a shooter this may be it.
November 7, 2015
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kevindpm61 said
I was surfing the net tonight when I stumbled upon this 1885 for sale on Gunsinternational.
Winchester Model 1885 antique special order for sale
I’m not interested in purchasing it, but I find it very attractive. I would like to hear what others think.
Very attractive, indeed. They generally lose me at “special order” but I like the sights, engraving and checkering. I’m not a fan of gold inlay but this seems very well done. I doubt any of those features are original but I feel it’s priced accordingly. Bore sounds a bit iffy. As pretty as it is I’d want to shoot it.
Mike
October 14, 2024
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I know that it is not original, but I think that it was gussied up nicely. I would definitely shoot her if she was mine.
April 15, 2005
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Due to the difficulty in obtaining 25-20 Single Shot cartridge/cases, this rifle would not make “good” shooter.
The engraving, checkering, and sights are all aftermarket upgrades and as such they do not add much (if any) value to the rifle. The work is top-notch though.
The No. 2 barrel is a “heavy” barrel for a low-wall rifle as a No. 1 weight barrel was standard.
The asking price is a bit steep in my opinion, but then again, I am somewhat biased when it comes the Winchester Single Shot rifles.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 14, 2016
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It is tastefully done. And he has shown it well with good photos. Lists the letter too. An honest seller which is refreshing.
A man can never have too many WINCHESTERS...
November 7, 2015
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Bert-
If I was set up to load for the 25-20 SS that would be a factor. I’ve been intrigued by this cartridge since you told me a bit about it several years ago. The brass situation was not good then and I doubt it has improved. I wouldn’t be a buyer on this rifle as I have no need for shooters or projects but I think it’s first-rate eye candy for someone who appreciates a classy low-wall and isn’t too concerned about originality. If it was a 22LR or 32WCF with a nice bore I’d get a bit more excited but until my finances recover I’ll have to be content with enjoying the view.
Mike
October 14, 2024
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I did a quick online search and was able to locate 25-20 brass and reloading dies for sale. I’m sure that brass would be able to be reused for a good long time.
December 21, 2006
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I wish I had a way of getting these to You fellas with the ’85’s, I parted with all mine.
I may bring ’em to Cody next year, if Us ferners can still get in to the country.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
April 15, 2005
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Henry Mero said
I wish I had a way of getting these to You fellas with the ’85’s, I parted with all mine. I may bring ’em to Cody next year, if Us ferners can still get in to the country.
Yes, do bring them with you to the Cody show.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
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Bert H. said
Due to the difficulty in obtaining 25-20 Single Shot cartridge/cases, this rifle would not make “good” shooter.
The engraving, checkering, and sights are all aftermarket upgrades and as such they do not add much (if any) value to the rifle. The work is top-notch though.
The No. 2 barrel is a “heavy” barrel for a low-wall rifle as a No. 1 weight barrel was standard.
The asking price is a bit steep in my opinion, but then again, I am somewhat biased when it comes the Winchester Single Shot rifles.
Bert
I have a 25-20 SS #3 barrel from the highwall that now has a 30″ 45-90 barrel on it. This is the only shooter I have ever bought. Plain pistol grip and set trigger. Cost less than a modern repo.
April 15, 2005
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Chuck said
Bert H. said
Due to the difficulty in obtaining 25-20 Single Shot cartridge/cases, this rifle would not make “good” shooter.
The engraving, checkering, and sights are all aftermarket upgrades and as such they do not add much (if any) value to the rifle. The work is top-notch though.
The No. 2 barrel is a “heavy” barrel for a low-wall rifle as a No. 1 weight barrel was standard.
The asking price is a bit steep in my opinion, but then again, I am somewhat biased when it comes the Winchester Single Shot rifles.
Bert
I have a 25-20 SS #3 barrel from the highwall that now has a 30″ 45-90 barrel on it. This is the only shooter I have ever bought. Plain pistol grip and set trigger. Cost less than a modern repo.
No. 3 barrels were standard on all high-wall “rifles”, whereas a No. 1 barrel was standard on all low-wall “rifles”. Muskets and Winder Muskets had their own unique barrels, and certain calibers (e.g. 35 WCF and 405 WCF) had their own unique barrel size. Each specific cartridge that Winchester chambered in the Single Shot had a specified standard barrel length (e.g. 25-20 was 28-inchs regardless of the variation or barrel size). After 45+ years of study and collecting, I can (off the top of my head) tell you what was standard for all of the many different variants and calibers.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
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Bert H. said
Chuck said
I have a 25-20 SS #3 barrel from the highwall that now has a 30″ 45-90 barrel on it. This is the only shooter I have ever bought. Plain pistol grip and set trigger. Cost less than a modern repo.
No. 3 barrels were standard on all high-wall “rifles”, whereas a No. 1 barrel was standard on all low-wall “rifles”. Muskets and Winder Muskets had their own unique barrels, and certain calibers (e.g. 35 WCF and 405 WCF) had their own unique barrel size. Each specific cartridge that Winchester chambered in the Single Shot had a specified standard barrel length (e.g. 25-20 was 28-inchs regardless of the variation or barrel size). After 45+ years of study and collecting, I can (off the top of my head) tell you what was standard for all of the many different variants and calibers.
Bert
Mine is 24″ and letters as such. Well if I measure from the muzzle to the ends of the threads it is 24 3/8″.
April 15, 2005
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Chuck said
Bert H. said
Chuck said
I have a 25-20 SS #3 barrel from the highwall that now has a 30″ 45-90 barrel on it. This is the only shooter I have ever bought. Plain pistol grip and set trigger. Cost less than a modern repo.
No. 3 barrels were standard on all high-wall “rifles”, whereas a No. 1 barrel was standard on all low-wall “rifles”. Muskets and Winder Muskets had their own unique barrels, and certain calibers (e.g. 35 WCF and 405 WCF) had their own unique barrel size. Each specific cartridge that Winchester chambered in the Single Shot had a specified standard barrel length (e.g. 25-20 was 28-inchs regardless of the variation or barrel size). After 45+ years of study and collecting, I can (off the top of my head) tell you what was standard for all of the many different variants and calibers.
BertMine is 24″ and letters as such. Well if I measure from the muzzle to the ends of the threads it is 24 3/8″.
24-inches was a special order length for the 25-20 S.S. cartridge, and yes, 24 3/8″ was standard for all of the pre-1900 production 24″ barrels. I do not remember exactly when Winchester standardized the 24.0″ length versus 24.375″.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
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Bert H. said
24-inches was a special order length for the 25-20 S.S. cartridge, and yes, 24 3/8″ was standard for all of the pre-1900 production 24″ barrels. I do not remember exactly when Winchester standardized the 24.0″ length versus 24.375″.
This one shipped in 1909.
April 15, 2005
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Chuck said
Bert H. said
24-inches was a special order length for the 25-20 S.S. cartridge, and yes, 24 3/8″ was standard for all of the pre-1900 production 24″ barrels. I do not remember exactly when Winchester standardized the 24.0″ length versus 24.375″.
This one shipped in 1909.
Shipped and assembled are often two widely different dates as it applies to the Single Shot model.
Here is an example of just how much time elapsed between serialization, assembly, and shipping…
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
October 14, 2024
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Did a little dive down the 25-20 SS and 25-20 WCF rabbit hole. As mentioned before, 25-20 SS brass is not so easy to source and a PIA to try and fabricate. Learned something new today.
March 31, 2009
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Bert H. said
This one shipped in 1909.
Shipped and assembled are often two widely different dates as it applies to the Single Shot model.
Here is an example of just how much time elapsed between serialization, assembly, and shipping…
Understand, my old Letter does not give serialization date.
April 15, 2005
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Chuck said
Bert H. said
This one shipped in 1909.
Shipped and assembled are often two widely different dates as it applies to the Single Shot model.
Here is an example of just how much time elapsed between serialization, assembly, and shipping…
Understand, my old Letter does not give serialization date.
What is the serial number… I can look it up.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
