RotoMetals2Load DataLee PrecisionInline Fabrication
WidenersMidSouth Shooters SupplyRepackboxTitan Reloading
Reloading Everything
Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: Anyone know anything about a Winchester Hotchkiss Rifle ?

  1. #1
    Boolit Mold
    Join Date
    Oct 2022
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    24

    Anyone know anything about a Winchester Hotchkiss Rifle ?

    Earlier I had posted on this forum about a guy who wanted to sell me either a Trapdoor in .45-70 or a .50-70 Rolling Block. Well he changed his mind on the rolling block and wanted too much for the Trapdoor. That being said he has a Winchester-Hotchkiss Bolt Action Rifle made in 1881 it is an 1879 Model Rifle with a 6 round tubular magazine in the buttstock. It is chambered in .45-70 Government. He has always fired the Trapdoor load of .45-70-405 and has had good results and has taken 5 deer with it. He wants $650 for it and online says $700-$900 so the price is good. Anyone know anything about these rifles ? All I can find are vids of guys firing them but nothing about how sturdy they are. If anyone has any info it would be appreciated. I would like to make it a deer rifle.

  2. #2
    Boolit Bub
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Rockies
    Posts
    62
    I know the first two models suffered from problems with the stocks cracking. The first model has a round safety on the side of the stock creating a weak spot. The second (Navy) model has two levers at the rear of the receiver for the magazine disconnect and the safety. These tend to split long-wise at the rear of the receiver on each side. Because of that, the first two models should be treated with some care. The third model uses a two piece stock which was more sturdy. By that time though, there weren't any buyers for the rifle. Either way, $650 is a good deal if the bore is in good shape. If it's a second model in good shape and you're not interested in it, I certainly would be.

  3. #3
    Boolit Master

    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    UPSTATE new york
    Posts
    1,722
    ^^^^ what he said If it had a really great bore, I might restock it for shooting, some kind of laminated stock. Seems to be true of the Keene rifles as well.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check