Winchester 1885 Single Shot Rifle……………..SOLD

Standard Production Model 1885 with Number 3 Octagonal Barrel

One of Winchesters Standard Production 1885 Single Shot Rifles.  Serial number 63414 on lower tang, for 1893.  Chambered in .32-40.  Overall length 45″.  Octagonal barrel 30″ in length.

Of single shot falling block type action, where the hammer remains cocked on closing the action (early type)

This 1885 Winchester is the “High Wall” type with the standard  “thin-side” action walls.  It has a single trigger but will open to half cock as a safety.  The hammer – spur is cross-hatched to aid that operation in cold weather or wet conditions.   Pulling down the under-lever allows the block to fall and access to the open breech for loading.  These rifles are extremely strong and offered in numerous calibers.

This 1885 comes clad in Winchesters’  straight grip, plain Sporting stock.  It has the “number 3” Octagonal barrel, which is very heavy by today’s standards.  This heavy barrel, strong action combination resulted in a weapon which rapidly gained a reputation as an extremely accurate rifle.  This Winchester has been fitted with the flip up Beach globe sight which is dovetailed into the front sight position.  The combination of open Buffalo type rear sight and the globe front sight produces a sight picture which is real easy on the eye.

The top of the octagonal barrel in marked “-MANUFACTURED BY THE – /  – WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. USA”   and then in front of the breech is the caliber marking “.32-40”  On the underside of the barrel is the fore-end with an in-laid ebony tip. Stamped onto the bottom flat  is the number “3” for the barrel type.

This rifle has solid black Walnut furniture with the classic crescent moon steel butt-plate. There is a small crack at the toe about 1″ in length which looks to have been repaired some time ago.  Also around the top tang at the rear of the action is evidence of a stock mounted tang sight, which has been plugged when it was removed.  Otherwise the wood to metal fit is very good and the stocks show all the dents and dings from one hundred and twenty years usage and care.

The action is mechanically sound and ejects correctly. The bore is soft and dark with rifling its full length and some light pitting.  A strong highly accurate rifle from the end of the previous century which would take up its place in any long gun collection admirably.

No license required for this collectible Winchester;  Sold as exempt from the Firearms Act under section 58(2) 1968.

£1995.00……..SOLD

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