winchester 1866's

[carlie]

the ones i have are in original condition, my problem is i thought they were only made of brass, all of mine appear to be steel except for the breech block that drops to chamber shells from the mag. tube and only one is 44cal. bore. i also have a 25-35 model 1894. i have not heard of this cal. in that new of weapon. any comments with knowledge appreciated.

 

[Scorch]

The Henry repeater had both brass and iron frame models. AFAIK, all Model 1866 were brass-framed, the later Model 1873 had an iron frame.

 

[30-30remchester]

The 25-35 is an old cartridge dating back to @1900. It is simply a 30-30 case necked down to 25 caliber. It mainly shot a 117 grain flat nosed bullet at @2200 fps. If you could post some photos maybe the forum could be able to clear up a few things.

 

[DPris]

I have never heard of a steel-framed '66.
Are you sure you're talking about the right model?

My Winchester reference book says all were "brass", actually a form of bronze. Some were plated, could that be what you've got?
Also, what calibers are your '66s?
Denis

 

[carlie]

technologically challenged

i can make photos and put the memory card in the computer but don't know exactly how to attach to a thread post?

 

[carlie]

yes

 

[Buzzcook]

Get an account at photo-bucket or similar and hot link the pics.

 

[oneshot onekill]

Put pics on your computer and use tinypic to download them. No account necessary.

 

[carlie]

i looked at the barrels and could not find any cal., but the bore looks like 44 on one and 38 on the other 3. i also have photos on my desktop now in jpeg, but keep getting invalid file error when trying to upload.

 

[DPris]

That just doesn't sound right.
You are absolutely certain you have Model 1866s?
Opentop actions? Load through the side? No sliding dust cover like the 1873s?

They're vintage, not modern reproductions?

What leads you to believe the frames are steel?
Denis

 

[eastbank]

stick a magnet on the reciever,if it sticks it,s iron. there were iron framed 66,s if not it brass or bronze. eastbank.

 

[DPris]

When did Winchester build an iron-framed '66 & when did they build the '66 in a non-44-caliber version?

I can't find any.
Denis

 

[DPris]

Can anybody make out what's in that image?
I can't enlarge it & can't make out any real detail.
Denis

 

[Mike Irwin]

The .25-35 Winchester was introduced as one of the two original smokeless powder commercial rounds (the other being the .30-30) in 1895.

Originally they were to be released with the Model of 1894, and were announced, but Winchester couldn't get sufficient supplies of ammunition with smokeless powder, so the two rounds had to wait a year.

The Model 1894 was, then, sent to market chambered for two black powder rounds, the .38-55 and the .32-40.

As for the Model 1866 Winchester, as far as I know, these rifles were chambered ONLY for the .44 Henry rimfire cartridge and a centerfire version of the same cartridge. The centerfire rifles are apparently EXTREMELY rare.

 

[Scorch]

I blew the picture up in Paint, it is hard to tell what it is. If it is an 1873, it would explain the 38 caliber rifles.

The 1873 rifle was essentially a modernized 1866, but the frame was made out of iron rather than brass. The action covers in both were iron. The 1873 tang would be roll marked.

 

[DPris]

Carlie,
Your photo is useless, can you do a closeup?
Also tell me why you think your '66s have steel frames?
Denis

 

[eastbank]

just checked my books,the 60 win. was made with a iron frame(very rare). the books don,t list any iron framed 66,s. i was wrong to say it may be a iron framed 66,sorry for the mistake. eastbank.

 

[carlie]

new photos

see if these help.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Those appear to be Model 1873 Winchesters, NOT Model 1866s.

The second picture is DEFINITELY an 1873.

 

[Scorch]

Absolutely, Winchester Model 1873. Mystery solved.

Now, what was the original question?