November 7, 2015

I treat the 45-70 and 45-90 as two different cartridges, actually more like five. There’s the Trapdoor (or BP equivalent) 45-70, the lever gun (smokeless powder) 45-70, the strong action (better wear the magnum recoil pad!) 45-70, the BPCR 45-90 and the Express 45-90. In my humble opinion the Trapdoor, BPCR and Express loads are BP loads, the other two are smokeless. I’ve ruffled a few feathers by suggesting people fire BP loads in their pristine 1886’s in 45-90 but I don’t see much point in doing it any other way. For me it’s all about the history, I want the same shooting experience as the first owner of this rifle, as nearly as possible. Cleaning up after a BP shoot isn’t near the chore some smokeless shooters make it out to be, it’s a labor of love and part of the experience. Quite honestly it takes me longer to clean the brass than the rifle.
Mike
Chuck,
I do not have the answer to that question… the Take Down did not exist until 1907, and many of them were made outside of the letterable range.;There were a fair number of high-wall Take Down rifles made in 22 LR as well (which includes First & Second variation Winder Muskets).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Chuck said
Thanks. This low wall was manufactured in 1908. I just thought that it was unusual to see a take down.
Winchester made several large batches of Take Down Model 1885s in the 106050 – 107900 serial range. Thus far, I have verified at least 210 were made in 22 LR.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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