Thats a good question.  

Just after moving to Tacoma in 1987 I was making the rounds through all the pawnshops in town looking for singleshots.  I found a 44 Ideal Stevens that had an ejector extractor and it was a nice clean rifle. The bore was gone like most of them. I wanted to make a .22 offhand rifle the same weight as my ceneterfire. Bud, the fellow behind the counter wanted $ 450.00 dollars for it. About $300.00 more than it was worth, to me.  But it was a crisp clean action with an ejector. I decided to get that Stevens for the right price no matter what.  I told Bud that I was up on the price of those types of rifle's and that I didnt think he would ever get that kind of money for it.  That didnt phaze him at all. He countered with , well what would you offer me? I told him $200.00.
Well that didnt go over to well and the rifle went back in the rack. He went to another customer  and ignored me.  So what I did was everytime I went by that pawn shop I'd stop in to see that Stevens. I was always nice to Bud and always asked to see that same Stevens. Every time I went in I'd offer him $200.00 for it. Sometime's I'd be in the store for an hour with Bud and that Stevens. We went around and around and around about the price everytime I went in there. I always offered him $200.00 for it, cash.  About six months later and at about the 25th visit to fondle the Stevens, I remember seeing Buds face as I came through the door yelling, Where's Bud ! ? I wanna see that rifle one more time!  It was almost like, a look of panic, then his face got red. 
Then he sorta relaxed and leaned against the display case. He looked at me with absolute disgust, then reached around and pulled the Stevens out of the rack and held it out and yelled give me your Godamned $200.00 dollars!!  I gave him the money and I took the Stevens home. I built the rifle I wanted and still shoot it in the .22 match's.  

I'd offer the guy $325.00.  After all you dont know the condition of the breechblock. It might need to be bushed. You dont know if all the parts are in the action. Some parts may have been broken or customized by a hamhanded home smith.  You didnt really give enough information on it either. Your question is like asking, what is the best rifle?  Offer him what you think its worth and what you can afford. Be nice, be persistant.   




                                                    Joe.



 

He did not know what he wanted for it, yet. Has had it for quite a few years, sitting in the corner of his workroom. I guess he was waiting for me to make an offer then start bartering. It probably won't be cheap. He also had a Husqsvarna rolling block that had seen better days - he started at $650 for that. 

As far as the action, it does not work. As the lever is closed there is increasing spring pressure. The action would not stay closed.

As You have already surmised, I don't know a whole lot about single shots- probably don't even know the right questions to ask, but am interested in learning about them. My previous experience was with dismanteling a Fox and a Parker double, that I owned. Dismantelled both and repaired both satisfactorily. I am sure there will be work that is beyond my capabilities, and I can recognise/accept that.

Where could I find information about the caliber?
Thanks.

Quote:


The Winchester 40 EX. (40-110-260 Express) was created specifically for the Winchester Single Shot (Model 1885). It was introduced in 1886, uses a 3.25" tapered case, and launched the 260 grain bullet at 1555 fps.

It is a rarely encountered cartridge today, as Winchester did not make many of them (less than 200). Personally, it would be a shame to tear it apart for a project rifle.

Bert