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1885 "Special Single Shot" (Read 10511 times)

DWT1885 Senior Forum Member Offline Posts: 394 Location: New Jersey Joined: Nov 25^th, 2010	1885 "Special Single Shot" Mar 18^th, 2019 at 6:37pm	Print Post
	Picked this 1885 "Special Single Shot" down at the Baltimore show this past weekend. This is my personal "Holy Grail" rifle. Never, ever thought I would own one. But the price was right for me. It does have some minor issues that can be fixed. I can deal with that. 38-55, windage front sight w/spirit level, palm rest base, set trigger, etc. Life is good. Dale.
	« Last Edit: Oct 4^th, 2019 at 6:32pm by DWT1885 »
	35th Security Police Squadron, Phan Rang AB, RVN, May 70-71. All gave some, some gave all.
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gunlaker Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 2256 Location: lower mainland, B.C. Joined: Dec 13^th, 2010	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #1 - Mar 18^th, 2019 at 6:39pm	Print Post
	That's really nice Dale! The Special Single Shot is probably my favorite model of the 1885. I have nearly the identical rifle, but mine is a left handed .32-40 with a #4 barrel. It fits me better than any rifle I've ever owned. Chris.


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calledflyer Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 3537 Joined: Mar 9^th, 2015	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #2 - Mar 18^th, 2019 at 7:15pm	Print Post
	I don't know what would make that rifle any nicer. My favorite version of my favorite rifle. And that's sure a nice one! I'm jealous, just a little.


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blackpowder Junior Member Offline Posts: 87 Location: Blooming Valley PA Joined: Jul 20^th, 2018	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #3 - Mar 18^th, 2019 at 7:23pm	Print Post
	very nice Dale!


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Rebel Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 4292 Location: Rockets and Race Cars Joined: Mar 9^th, 2015	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #4 - Mar 18^th, 2019 at 7:30pm	Print Post
	Gorgeous! Aaron

	WARNING: This post may contain material offensive to those who lack wit, humor, common sense and supporting factual or anecdotal evidence. Let's Go Sonny!
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GT Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 2028 Location: Northeast Wyoming Joined: Jun 28^th, 2015	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #5 - Mar 18^th, 2019 at 7:41pm	Print Post
	REALLY NICE! So that means that since you found your "Holy Grail" it's a very slim chance we'll see you at Denver - How was the show? I regret not making it but I had to draw a line somewhere, probably on the Missouri I'm working through my schedule for next year now, is it worth a couple thousand mile trip? Let us know how she does. Greg

	"To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk" T. A. Edison "The trouble ain't that there is too many fools, but that the lightning ain't distributed right" M.T.
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DWT1885 Senior Forum Member Offline Posts: 394 Location: New Jersey Joined: Nov 25^th, 2010	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #6 - Mar 18^th, 2019 at 8:01pm	Print Post
	Thanks for the nice comments guys. Greg, the show was on the lines of the Denver show. WOW !!!! I think my heart rate was going a mile a minute. Saw some Ballards but felt like living dangerously and didn't get one. Saw Tom Rowe again. Had a copy of his new book on sights. Believe me, it is worth the wait till he sends them out. Met Dick Binger for the first time. That was a treat for me. Overall, it was a great day and a great show. No more Denver for me. But will be going back to Baltimore next year. Now that I have my Holy Grail rifle, just to look for little stuff. Dale.

	35th Security Police Squadron, Phan Rang AB, RVN, May 70-71. All gave some, some gave all.
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Crown-C Senior Forum Member Offline Posts: 487 Location: St. Marys Kansas Joined: Apr 6^th, 2009	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #7 - Mar 18^th, 2019 at 8:12pm	Print Post
	Really, really nice Dale! You’ll get a lot of enjoyment out of that one. Richard

	Richard Crown-C Ranch in the Flinthills NRA Life Member ASSRA Member # 10366 Member & Founders Society, Cody Firearms Museum Veteran
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oodmoff Senior Forum Member Offline Posts: 276 Location: colorado springs Joined: Jan 12^th, 2009	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #8 - Mar 18^th, 2019 at 8:26pm	Print Post
	Wow, what a great looking rifle. Definitely one I have on my bucket list as well as one day making it to the Baltimore show. Congrats again!


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flint45 Participating Member Offline Posts: 43 Location: Nampa, Idaho Joined: Nov 18^th, 2018	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #9 - Mar 18^th, 2019 at 9:50pm	Print Post
	That is one fine rifle enjoy.


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JLouis Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 10625 Joined: Apr 8^th, 2009	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #10 - Mar 18^th, 2019 at 10:30pm	Print Post
	One would be real hard pressed to find a more charming gun. I am sure it still has allot of top three place finishes in it once you can spend the time with out at your range. Congratulations on this new to you very beautiful rifle their are no words one can say to fully explain all of it's overwhelming and very creative charm.

	" It Is Better To Now Have Been A Has Been Than A Never Was Or A Wanna Be "
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Reverend Al Oldtimer Offline Posts: 568 Location: Victoria BC Canada Joined: Jun 25^th, 2016	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #11 - Mar 19^th, 2019 at 9:23am	Print Post
	That is a gorgeous rifle and as another lover of single shot Winchesters (and most other makes ... LOL) I can definitely understand your excitement over buying it!

	I may have passed my "Best Before" date, but I haven't quite reached my "Expiry" date yet ...
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Kurt_701 Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1010 Location: Missouri Joined: May 20^th, 2004	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #12 - Mar 19^th, 2019 at 9:33am	Print Post
	Here is my Special Sporting rifle. You rifle is much nicer. the butt plate on my rifle has not got a trace on nickle. I wonder if it was ordered in brass. Kurt

	M-14 3rd Battalion 27th Marines RVN 68'69'
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GT Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 2028 Location: Northeast Wyoming Joined: Jun 28^th, 2015	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #13 - Mar 19^th, 2019 at 11:27am	Print Post
	Dale, I've been thinking, as nice as this high wall is it probably has some of the power that Ballard's do, it'll add years to your life too! Greg

	"To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk" T. A. Edison "The trouble ain't that there is too many fools, but that the lightning ain't distributed right" M.T.
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DWT1885 Senior Forum Member Offline Posts: 394 Location: New Jersey Joined: Nov 25^th, 2010	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #14 - Mar 19^th, 2019 at 12:04pm	Print Post
	Hey Kurt, According to John Campbell, he said all were nickel plated but frequent use of Hoppes would take the nickel off after repeated use. I like your Special also. Also, glad you made it back. Greg, Yea I'm hoping that 1885's will do the same as Ballards in lenghtening one's life. Will be 70 in June so we'll see. Dale.
	« Last Edit: Mar 20^th, 2019 at 9:11am by DWT1885 »
	35th Security Police Squadron, Phan Rang AB, RVN, May 70-71. All gave some, some gave all.
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marlinguy Frequent Elocutionist Offline Ballards may be weaker, but they sure are neater! Posts: 15994 Location: Oregon Joined: Feb 2^nd, 2009	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #15 - Mar 19^th, 2019 at 12:22pm	Print Post
	Dale, I couldn't be happier for you! It's a gorgeous rifle, and I know how much you have desired this particular 1885 version for a long time! It's great when the stars align, and even better when it happens so close to home too! Hope you and your grail gun have many happy years together!

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Gunfunpow Full Member Offline Posts: 239 Joined: Jun 20^th, 2018	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #16 - Mar 19^th, 2019 at 6:57pm	Print Post
	Wow! That's a really fine looking rifle. Congratulations on achieving your Grail! Best wishes for a long and enjoyable time together. Such a rifle guarantees added years to enjoy it!


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Joe Do... Oldtimer ASSRA Board Member ASSRA Journal Editor Offline Posts: 583 Location: 'burbs of Chicago Joined: May 19^th, 2012	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #17 - Mar 19^th, 2019 at 9:16pm	Print Post
	Wow Dale! It’s beautiful ... congratulations! Joe


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Nero Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1005 Location: NZ Joined: Jun 1^st, 2006	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #18 - Mar 23^rd, 2019 at 6:53pm	Print Post
	Really nice rifle and one that must have cost a lot of money when built but why did they finish the barrel like that. It surely it can't have been to save on cost as that is not spared elsewhere, was it that factory workers did not have the skill to blend in the octagon part into the round or to continue making the octagon narrower at the muzzle or was it just a fad like white line spacers in the fifties, were the special order rifles ever made with tapered octagon or plain round tapered barrels?


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gunlaker Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 2256 Location: lower mainland, B.C. Joined: Dec 13^th, 2010	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #19 - Mar 23^rd, 2019 at 7:47pm	Print Post
	Nero wrote on Mar 23^rd, 2019 at 6:53pm: Really nice rifle and one that must have cost a lot of money when built but why did they finish the barrel like that. It surely it can't have been to save on cost as that is not spared elsewhere, was it that factory workers did not have the skill to blend in the octagon part into the round or to continue making the octagon narrower at the muzzle or was it just a fad like white line spacers in the fifties, were the special order rifles ever made with tapered octagon or plain round tapered barrels? My Special Single Shot looks much like the original poster's rifle as far as the transition between the octagonal and the round part. That model could be ordered with a full octagonal barrel as well. I've never seen a round barreled one, but Winchester seemed pretty accommodating. As an example, see Kurt's Special Sporting rifle which is a slightly different model, but his was ordered in an almost identical configuration. The main way to identify the Special Single Shot, I think, is the lack of a dovetail for a barrel sight, the Swiss buttplate, and the XXX wood. (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) Chris.


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calledflyer Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 3537 Joined: Mar 9^th, 2015	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #20 - Mar 23^rd, 2019 at 9:21pm	Print Post
	A real beautiful sight, those two together. Very, very nice. Dang southpaws...


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Kurt_701 Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1010 Location: Missouri Joined: May 20^th, 2004	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #21 - Mar 23^rd, 2019 at 10:36pm	Print Post
	Gunlaker, very nice rifles. Kurt

	M-14 3rd Battalion 27th Marines RVN 68'69'
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gunlaker Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 2256 Location: lower mainland, B.C. Joined: Dec 13^th, 2010	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #22 - Mar 24^th, 2019 at 12:18am	Print Post
	Thanks Kurt. The top one is the original and the bottom one is a copy of a Special Single Shot that Steven Durren made for me. I was originally going to ask him to make an exact copy, but in the end decided on a #5 weight full octagon .38-55 barrel rather than the #4 half octagon in .32-40 like on the original. He sure did a superb job, even the wood is very close. We went with a Ace of Spades checkering pattern rather than the standard Winchester one. Chris.


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Nero Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1005 Location: NZ Joined: Jun 1^st, 2006	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #23 - Mar 24^th, 2019 at 4:38am	Print Post
	Over the years I had two high Walls made up for me by John Pell who traded under to Logo of Kogot. His wife called him that as she told me she thought of him as the Kindly Old Gunsmith of Trinidad as he never charged enough. Quite a guy as he flew in bombers in the latter part of the war in Europe and fighters in Vietnam. Always amazed me how accurate these High Walls could be.
	« Last Edit: Mar 25^th, 2019 at 4:41am by Nero »

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Skalkaho Oldtimer Offline Posts: 771 Location: Montana Joined: Sep 29^th, 2006	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #24 - Mar 24^th, 2019 at 10:01am	Print Post
	Gorgeous,never tire looking at a fine rifle.......

	May the Bullet Gods be with you.......
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DWT1885 Senior Forum Member Offline Posts: 394 Location: New Jersey Joined: Nov 25^th, 2010	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #25 - Mar 24^th, 2019 at 10:21am	Print Post
	Hey Chris, What a beautiful pair of 1885's. Winchester knew what they were doing when they came up with the Special Sporting and Special Single shot rifles. Steve sure knows what he's doing. Matter of fact, I'm sending him my Special tomorrow to have afew minor issues taken care of. What twist rate does your 38-55 have ? Just wondering. With that #5 barrel I take it it's a bench rifle ? Dale.

	35th Security Police Squadron, Phan Rang AB, RVN, May 70-71. All gave some, some gave all.
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gunlaker Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 2256 Location: lower mainland, B.C. Joined: Dec 13^th, 2010	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #26 - Mar 24^th, 2019 at 11:01am	Print Post
	Dale it's approximately 1:15. It's a BRC barrel, and yeah the idea was definitely for bench shooting. Chris.


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marlinguy Frequent Elocutionist Offline Ballards may be weaker, but they sure are neater! Posts: 15994 Location: Oregon Joined: Feb 2^nd, 2009	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #27 - Mar 24^th, 2019 at 7:26pm	Print Post
	Nero wrote on Mar 23^rd, 2019 at 6:53pm: Really nice rifle and one that must have cost a lot of money when built but why did they finish the barrel like that. It surely it can't have been to save on cost as that is not spared elsewhere, was it that factory workers did not have the skill to blend in the octagon part into the round or to continue making the octagon narrower at the muzzle or was it just a fad like white line spacers in the fifties, were the special order rifles ever made with tapered octagon or plain round tapered barrels? Nero, That IS a tapered octagon on this Special Single Shot 1885. It might not be the taper you like or are used to seeing on other makes, but it is a tapered Winchester barrel. I'd guess only maybe .010" taper, but enough to just make them look nice. The transition from octagon to round is typical of every US maker in the late 1800's and early 1900's. All the American gun makers used an abrupt change to go from octagon to round. I've seen some European guns that just gradually transition to round, and it always looks strange, or amateurish to my eyes. Probably because I'm used to seeing them done in this manner.

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powderman Senior Forum Member Offline Posts: 330 Location: British Columbia Joined: Feb 26^th, 2005	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #28 - Mar 27^th, 2019 at 4:24pm	Print Post
	WT1885 & gunlaker, You are truly blessed to have such nice 85's. I've dreamt of owning one of those Special Sporting Rifles since I first held one 40 years ago. Regards, Powderman


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Chuckster Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 2223 Location: Colorado Joined: May 15^th, 2008	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #29 - Mar 27^th, 2019 at 10:44pm	Print Post
	Very nice rifles. Military and fowling pieces had round barrels. Most sporting rifles had full octagon barrels Just curious about half round barrels: Were they widely used prior to the Creedmoor match era? Gunsmiths were working real hard to meet the weight limits. If well known match shooters were using them, then the public accepted them. Chuck


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marlinguy Frequent Elocutionist Offline Ballards may be weaker, but they sure are neater! Posts: 15994 Location: Oregon Joined: Feb 2^nd, 2009	Re: 1885 "Special Single Shot" Reply #30 - Mar 28^th, 2019 at 10:21am	Print Post
	The half octagon barrels have always been my favorite of all the various barrel shapes. They were usually on upgraded versions for all the American makers, with the exception of Stevens.

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