Winchester 1885 Limited Series Traditional Hunter .45-70 Gov’t Rifle, 2009
SOLD FOR: $1,276
LSB#: 200723CP09
Make: Made by Miroku of Japan, imported by Browning Arms Co for Winchester.
Model: 1885 Limited Series Traditional Hunter
Serial Number: 00099MN85A
Year of Manufacture: 2009 (MN date code)
Caliber: .45-70 Gov’t
Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER 1895 LIMITED SERIES TRADITIONAL HUNTER – – Caliber 45-70 Govt. ONLY”, the right shoulder is marked “Made by Miroku – Japan – – Imported by BACO, Inc. – Morgan, Utah / Winchester is a registered trademark of Olin Corporation”. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the chamber ring each have an ovalled “WP” proof. The top tang is marked “-WINCHESTER-“, the right of the receiver is marked with the serial number at the bottom-rear.
Barrel Length: 28″ Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch semi-buckhorn leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The rear of the barrel and the chamber ring each have a pair of drilled, tapped and filled holes for mounting a scope (none included). The top tang is drilled and tapped with a folding peep sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with schnabel forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent steel buttplate. The stocks have only a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has no notable wear or damage. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only minor handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action works correctly. The hammer has a safety notch. The trigger breaks crisply and the lever locks-up solidly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: When they were first manufactured, the John Browning designed Winchester Model 1885 rifles were deemed stronger than the prior Sharps rifles, and the different sight and trigger options available made them an instant hit with hunters and target shooters alike. The Model 1885 rifles were targeted at competitors in “Match Shooting”, a sport which was extremely popular from about 1871 to 1917. The Winchester rifles challenged the Sharps, Remington, Maynard and Ballard rifles, and quickly became known for their reliability and accuracy. Major Ned Roberts, inventor of the .257 Roberts cartridge, described the Model 1885 as “the most reliable, strongest and altogether best single shot rifle ever produced”. This is a fairly recent production 1885 Limited Series Traditional Hunter rifle chambered for .45-70 Gov’t. As the name indicates, it would make a fine rifle for hunting, able to take any game animal in North America. It is a beautiful rifle with a 28″ octagon barrel, beautiful walnut stocks, and has been equipped with a nice sight setup. Whether you’re looking to add to your Winchester collection or get a rifle for hunting, this will make a fine gun for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle CAN be transferred in California.
