Model 1885 Single Shot

[dak0ta]

Anybody shoot one? Was looking at the Winchester 1885, but realized that a bunch of companies are making reproductions now including Uberti, Pedersoli for example.

What's a decent caliber for one of these for deer/bear/moose? I see it comes in 300 Win Magnum and they have 28" barrels which would be fun.

 

[Chuck R.]

I've got Two 1885 "Special Sporting" High-Walls from Ballard Rifle & Cartridge in .40-70 and .45-90 with DSTs and a Low-Wall from them in .22LR to match.

Mine are set up for black powder cartridge silhouette and long range, with the .22LR for cheap easy practice. All three weigh in the 12lb range due to the #1 barrels: 32", 30" and 30"

Not exactly what I'd use hunting:





My .22LR:

 

[Ugly Sauce]

I was very seriously considering one a while back. I would have gone with .45-70, and was looking at more of the carbine version since I already have two rifles in .45-70, one with a 30" barrel, but then I found an original Trapdoor Springfield carbine for less money, and decided to go with that. I didn't know it/they came in calibers like 300WM, I think I'd go with something more "classic" as far as caliber. For deer/bear/moose I think a cartridge with a bit more bore diameter and a little less modern would be more cool. For .30 caliber I'd go .30-06 over .300WM, as the difference in performance is only slight, but the classic factor is much greater with the old '06. But I'm weird like that.

 

[dak0ta]

How accurate are these things with handloads? I probably would scope it if the cartridge could take advantage of the optics.

 

[browningguy]

The modern Winchester 1885 is an excellent strong rifle, you can load them up to near 458 Win mag velocities . I had one for several years and it took numerous deer and hogs. Mine was the traditional hunter with peep sight.

 

[dak0ta]

If Ruger No 1 was thrown into contention, thoughts?

 

[DocRock]

I shoot in a pre1898 design rifle competition. By far, the overwhelming preference among those who consistently do well are Miroku made 1885s in 38-55. They are quite accurate and regularly deliver 95-99 scores with several x rings on the NRA 200 yard slow fire target. Very nice rifles indeed. I shoot a RB in 45-70 and I am not as good as the guys who shoot the 1885s in 38-55. But, that’s more Indian than arrow...

I have a Ruger No. 3 in 30-40. I guess I am one of the lucky ones as it has been quite accurate since purchase. A strong rifle, it allows for 308 Win performance from 30-40 handloads. I am told that the Rugers can be hit or miss or need a bit of tuning for accuracy, but that is not my experience.

For a hunting rifle, I would prefer the Ruger in a modern rimless cartridge. For a an or on sight target rifle, the 1885, chambered in 38-55.