Winchester Single Shot 32 Long Pat. Oct. 7 79

[daisygordoninc]

Does anyone know anything about this gun, I cannot find records on it. It has an octagon barrel,
Buckhorn sight, lever action, serial number 39376?

Can't find any record by Winchester on it.

Gordon Johnson

[arjunky]

Any pictures? I hate to assume, but probably an 1885 with an earlier patent.

Byron

[Pete44ru]

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According to Winchester, your Model 1885 was made in 1888.

Winchester M1885 SN's for 1888 started with a SN in the 30,000 range; SN's for 1889 started in the 45,000 SN range.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/support/f ... uments.pdf


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[jdad]

It's an 1888 production Model 1885, chambered in 32 Long RF. That's about all we can determine without photos or any other details......barrel length, barrel weight (number stamped just in front of forearm), etc.



The Cody museum has the early Winchester records. Send the money in and you will get the factory record.

[Mike Armstrong]

One more important detail besides the ones already stated is whether this has a heavy or lightweight frame, normally called "Highwall" or "Lowall."

It is most likely a Lowall, since it is in a small/light caliber, but it's not out of the question that it is the more valuable Highwall variation--I have seen them in many small calibers, from .22 short to .38-40 (have one of the latter and once owned a Highwall in .32-20). And it MIGHT be a .32 CENTERFIRE Long, although the .32 RF was much more common.

Pix would tell the tale.

[daisygordoninc]

The Winchester is a Low Wall, and the barrel is 25 inches. I have cleaned the barrel and it is in pretty
good condition. The bluing is very good. What do you think the 79 following the Oct. 7 means?

Thanks for your responses. I can't get a picture to load up, will try again.

[Cimarron Red]

1879 is the original patent date for the John Browning design of what was to become the Winchester Single-Shot rifle in 1885. The actual design dates to 1878.