Winchester Model 1885 Winder Musket
Winchester Repeating Arms Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1905
Also known as: Winder Musket, Model 1885 Winder Musket, .22 Winder Musket
Overview
The Winchester Model 1885 Winder Musket is a single-shot, falling-block .22 rimfire training rifle based on John Browning's Model 1885 action. Championed by Colonel Charles B. Winder, it was configured as a full-length military musket with a service-rifle-style stock, handguard and aperture sights so that soldiers could practice marksmanship with a rifle of similar size and weight to their issue arm while firing inexpensive .22 Short (or .22 Long Rifle) ammunition. Purchased by U.S. Ordnance and distributed to Army units and NRA-affiliated rifle clubs, it served as a primary marksmanship trainer until superseded by the bolt-action M1922 trainer.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3856 g (136.0 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 329 m/s (1079 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 102 J (75 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 90 m (98 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Short · primary — also known as .22 Short
- .22 Long Rifle — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Manual Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Hammer
- Features: Full Length Military Stock, Aperture Rear Sight, Handguard, Single Shot Falling Block, Musket Configuration
Variants
- Winder Musket High Wall - High Wall
- Winder Musket Low Wall - Low Wall
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1905 · as Winder Musket
- National Rifle Association affiliated rifle clubs
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
Production
Production years: 1905-1920
Produced in quantity for U.S. Army marksmanship training and NRA-affiliated clubs; exact totals not documented
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John Browning
Discontinued: 1920
Notes
Made in both High Wall and Low Wall action versions. The military musket pattern differs from the sporting and Schuetzen Model 1885 rifles by its full-length stock, handguard and military sights.
Background
The rifle is named for Colonel Charles B. Winder, who pushed the Army to adopt a .22 trainer mimicking the size and weight of a service rifle so recruits could learn to shoot cheaply indoors and on gallery ranges.