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Hello,
I have a Winchester 1885 from 1893 that is marked 25 W.C.F.
I believe this is too early to be a 25-20. A 25-20 will not fit into the chamber. Might it be a 25-20 SS? Were barrels marked this way before the newer 25-20 came along? Thanks.
Regards,
Chris
April 15, 2005
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Chris,
All of the Model 1885 Single Shot Rifles that were marked “25 W.C.F.” were chambered for the 25-20 Single Shot (S.S.) cartridge. When Winchester introduced the 25-20 W.C.F. (repeater) cartridge, it was marked “25-20 W.C.F.”, and the 25-20 Single Shot was marked “25-20 S.S.”. The “25 W.C.F.” marking was discontinued in late 1895.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 17, 2012
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Bert H. said
All of the Model 1885 Single Shot Rifles that were marked “25 W.C.F.” were chambered for the 25-20 Single Shot (S.S.) cartridge. When Winchester introduced the 25-20 W.C.F. (repeater) cartridge, it was marked “25-20 W.C.F.”, and the 25-20 Single Shot was marked “25-20 S.S.”. The “25 W.C.F.” marking was discontinued in late 1895.
Bert
Well geez, that is not confusing at all to someone in 1895. Maybe that’s why wildcat’s today have such weird names like the Lloyd-Bentson .35-30 Texas or the .575 Miller & Greiss wildcat. Can’t confuse that with anything else….
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
April 15, 2005
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JWA said
Well geez, that is not confusing at all to someone in 1895. Maybe that’s why wildcat’s today have such weird names like the Lloyd-Bentson .35-30 Texas or the .575 Miller & Greiss wildcat. Can’t confuse that with anything else….
Regards,
Jeff,
Actually, I do not believe that it was confusing to anyone back in 1895. It is the modern day collectors & shooters that are more likely to be confused. The vast majority of the Model 1885 rifles were chambered for the 25-20 Single Shot (7,555) versus less than (200) for the 25-20 W.C.F. repeater cartridge. The shooters back in those days knew exactly what they were buying, hence there was very little (if any) confusion. The confusion factor exists with just the relatively recent owners and collectors.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 17, 2012
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You are probably right. I have a hard enough time just keeping .22 rim fire cartridges straight.
On a separate note, I am looking forward to seeing you again at Cody.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
December 1, 2012
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I wasn’t aware that there was such a high ratio of 25-20 SS to 25-20 WCF produced in the 1885. That would explain why so many 25-20 SS’s show up for sale. It’d be nice if there were a source for 25-20 SS ammo so one could shoot these old beauties without having to convert them to 25-20 WCF, thus ruining their value.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
April 15, 2005
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With the 25-20 S.S. having a 13-year head start on the 25-20 WCF (the 25-20 Single Shot was introduced in 1882), and it having a much better reputation for accuracy, it is no mystery why it was the much better seller in the Model 1885 Single Shot rifle.
I agree that it would be really nice if there was a ready source for brass, but being the hoarder that I am, I have a substantial supply for my low-wall in 25-20 S.S. At one time, Rocky Mountain Cartridge (in Cody) made brand new cases.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 15, 2005
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JWA said
You are probably right. I have a hard enough time just keeping .22 rim fire cartridges straight.On a separate note, I am looking forward to seeing you again at Cody.
Best Regards,
I too am looking forward to seeing you (and everyone else that makes the journey). It is always a special time in Cody for the annual WACA show!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
