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February 3, 2025
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I’m new here so hang with me!
I have a first model Hotchkiss carbine, serial number 18xx. The factory letter just tells me when the warehouse received it & when it was shipped. The unusual part is that it’s a full stock carbine as illustrated in the advertisement in Mr. Houze’s book. I had contacted Mr. Houze back in 2000 and at that time he had never seen one, mine was the first. All he had seen at that time were half stock carbines.
My question is has anyone here ever seen a full stock first model Hotchkiss carbine? Is there any updated information on the Hotchkiss models? There doesn’t seem to be much interest in them compared to other Winchester models. I have all 3 models in various configurations but honestly much prefer the Remington Lee. Them dang other guys……
Thanks much for any info!
April 15, 2005
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The best source of information is WACA member Jim Curlovic. He is a longtime Hotchkiss collector and has displayed them on many different occasions at the Annual WACA show in Cody WY.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
February 3, 2025
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Thank you Bert! Is there anyway to contact him or do you think he’ll pick up here?
Thanks again
Reed
April 15, 2005
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r-arm said
Thank you Bert! Is there anyway to contact him or do you think he’ll pick up here?Thanks again
Reed
Contact me via email with your questions and I will pass them along to Jim. I suspect that he will reach out to you after reading your question(s).
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
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I contacted Jim Curlovic and he would like to see pictures of your rifle. Please email him at [email protected].
March 1, 2007
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Reed, I would love to see pictures of your Hotchkiss. Feel free to contact me at any time. Email or my phone 618-806-4777 Central time.
February 3, 2025
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Thank you much to all you guys! I’ll be contacting Jim shortly. I’m assuming Jimmiejoe is Jim Curlovic?
November 9, 2008
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Where’s the photos?
April 15, 2005
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r-arm said
I’m assuming Jimmiejoe is Jim Curlovic?
That is correct.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
February 3, 2025
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I’m a guest member, don’t think I can post photos. At least I don’t see that option.[Image Can Not Be Found]
April 15, 2005
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r-arm said
I’m a guest member, don’t think I can post photos. At least I don’t see that option.[Image Can Not Be Found]
Send them to me and I will post them for you.
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 9, 2002
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Can’t wait to see this Historical piece! Jim Curlovic has always had an amazing desire for these as he is definitely one of the more authoritative figures on this model. He would always set up at our OGCA shows, and especially for the last several years as WACA, has gotten involved with the OGCA shows more and more.
Anthony
November 7, 2015
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Anthony said
Can’t wait to see this Historical piece! Jim Curlovic has always had an amazing desire for these as he is definitely one of the more authoritative figures on this model. He would always set up at our OGCA shows, and especially for the last several years as WACA, has gotten involved with the OGCA shows more and more.
Anthony
I always enjoy spending time at Jim’s tables at the Cody Shows. I generally have to make two or three trips to take it all in. The Hotchkiss is an often overlooked element of the history of Winchester.
Mike
February 3, 2025
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Just an update here and a thank you for you all being both helpful and interested!
According to Jim my fullstock first model carbine is still the only one to surface thus far. I’ve sent Bert some pictures he graciously offered to post. I included some comparison shots with the standard halfstock carbine.
I don’t know how many of you guys have actually shot a Winchester Hotchkiss. I have, they are interesting but I always have to play around with the dang mag cutoff & safety to remember how it works & the tube mag in the buttstock is a little odd to load. The Remington Lee is just, for me at least, a far superior design. Detachable box magazine & a sweet action. Well, you know what they say, opinions are like…….
Thanks guys!
April 15, 2005
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Here they are…
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 9, 2002
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TXGunNut said
Anthony said
Can’t wait to see this Historical piece! Jim Curlovic has always had an amazing desire for these as he is definitely one of the more authoritative figures on this model. He would always set up at our OGCA shows, and especially for the last several years as WACA, has gotten involved with the OGCA shows more and more.
Anthony
I always enjoy spending time at Jim’s tables at the Cody Shows. I generally have to make two or three trips to take it all in. The Hotchkiss is an often overlooked element of the history of Winchester.
Mike
Mike,
I too am guilty of overlooking the Hotchkiss rifle over the years. There’s a lot to learn there on this important historical rifle and all that went into them. I just never invested the time, with all the other model distractions going on over the years.
r-arm said
Just an update here and a thank you for you all being both helpful and interested!According to Jim my fullstock first model carbine is still the only one to surface thus far. I’ve sent Bert some pictures he graciously offered to post. I included some comparison shots with the standard halfstock carbine.
I don’t know how many of you guys have actually shot a Winchester Hotchkiss. I have, they are interesting but I always have to play around with the dang mag cutoff & safety to remember how it works & the tube mag in the buttstock is a little odd to load. The Remington Lee is just, for me at least, a far superior design. Detachable box magazine & a sweet action. Well, you know what they say, opinions are like…….
Thanks guys!
r-arm,
What a great piece! Thanks to Bert for posting it! If Jim said it’s the first one he’s seen, you can take that to the bank.
Thanks for sharing,
Anthony
March 31, 2009
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That’s a great find. One big problem when shooting the first and second models is the wrist will crack. The third model fixed this. I have a second model I won’t shoot because the wrist isn’t cracked.
February 3, 2025
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Yes, the one piece stock first & second models seem to be prone to cracking, a problem shared with the Remington Lee. I only shoot light handloads in both types & most everything else old actually. The point is to have fun with a piece of history without hurting it or my shoulder.
Jim sent me a picture of his Hotchkiss display. I must say it is impressive!!
April 15, 2005
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r-arm said
Jim sent me a picture of his Hotchkiss display. I must say it is impressive!!
Yes it is, as is his passion and knowledge of the Hotchkiss! 
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 31, 2005
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I note that the full stock gun has sling swivels on the trigger guard and barrel band and does not have a sling ring as would be associated with a carbine. It appears to me to be more of a short rifle or perhaps “cadet” rifle configuration.
Does it have any U.S. martial markings such as inspector stamps or cartouche?
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
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