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Normal Topic Winchester 1885 Thick-Wall vs Thin-Wall (Read 332 times)
Dr.J
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Winchester 1885 Thick-Wall vs Thin-Wall
Sep 29th, 2025 at 5:25pm
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I understand that difference between a thick- and thin-wall receiver, but am interested in finding out the “practical “ difference(s) between the two. For example, would a thin-wall receiver be suitable for a .22 bpcr rifle build? In general, would a thick-wall be better suited to building a centerfire rifle? Are there other differences between the two? Thanks. Tom
  
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marlinguy
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Ballards may be weaker,
but they sure are neater!

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Re: Winchester 1885 Thick-Wall vs Thin-Wall
Reply #1 - Sep 29th, 2025 at 5:58pm
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Dr.J wrote on Sep 29th, 2025 at 5:25pm:
I understand that difference between a thick- and thin-wall receiver, but am interested in finding out the “practical “ difference(s) between the two. For example, would a thin-wall receiver be suitable for a .22 bpcr rifle build? In general, would a thick-wall be better suited to building a centerfire rifle? Are there other differences between the two? Thanks. Tom


Thin walls are plenty strong enough for any cartridge Winchester offered in the 1885 High Wall. The same isn't true for the Low Wall 1885 as a flat side Low Wall is the weaker over the normal that people sometimes call a thin side Low Wall.
  

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bpjack
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Re: Winchester 1885 Thick-Wall vs Thin-Wall
Reply #2 - Sep 29th, 2025 at 6:07pm
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Here is an old thread on the differences mostly centered around manufacturing dates.

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830singleshot
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Re: Winchester 1885 Thick-Wall vs Thin-Wall
Reply #3 - Sep 29th, 2025 at 8:50pm
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I'll throw my unsolicited hat into the ring.  Personally I'm I would NOT use a high wall for a 22bpcr rifle.  They are way too difficult to load and unload.  If you must have a 1885, make it a low wall.  However note that it's possible for a spent cartridge to fall into the action and tie it up.
IMHO a Ballard or 44 1/2 action would be my choice.  I own and as hoo to all of the above.
  

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