Krag Collectors Association Forum

While walking the recent Sioux falls SD gun show past all 1200 tables, I happened to be on the lookout for a single shot target rifle possibly in 32-40
Late in the day found this reproduction of the Winchester 1885. It is a well made Uberti. I almost passed it by, thinking it was just another 45-70.
The owner says "Oh No, not a 45-70". This one is in 30-40 Krag. He asked if I ever shot a Krag? Um, well yes I sez.
I knew that my shooting hero Col Townsend Whelen was a great fan of the model 1885 in 30-40 and wrote about it many times back around 1900 when he was not
out winning military rifle matches with his 1898 Krag service rifle.
I emptied my wallet and the rifle and I were out the door. I should have a range report soon.
Jeff The Caterpillar man

That is a nice looking rifle. I am not familiar with the 1885, how close is the reproduction?

Many years ago when I made a church mouse look well off, I picked up a Ruger #3 in 30/40 at a gun show and looked at it then put it down. Probably could not buy one now for $185.00. I think a Ruger in 30/40 could be safely loaded to 308 pressures as the 30/40 case seems heavy enough. I would not do that if I owned a #3 and a Krag as one could very easily chamber the wrong round in the Krag.

Edited for clarification.

That is a sweet looking single-shot rifle in a fine chambering .... Lots of play value!

It's decided, and I am unanimous, that I going to go to gun shows with you. That is one good looking rifle. I bet it'll shoot like a dream.

Just looked around to see if these were sold or advertised in the US and found one refence where the one posting said he special ordered it and took 18 months to get it. Uberti site shows a 303 caliber with a modern looking for end and rubber nonslip butt pad.

Looks like you found a rare one and not something normally produced.

That case hardened receiver really looks nice. Nice pick up.

I've had one in 30-40 for a few years. Mine came with a crescent butt plate that really hurt when fired with full power loads. I fitted a butt stock from an original Winder Musket. Much better. Decent groups at 100 yards. Shot mine in long range gong matches. Got hits at 1040 yards, none at 1580. Mine came with a Uberti (?) tang sight that (surprise) was made correctly. Octagon barrel, Lyman 17A front sight. Decent trigger pull. But a Winchester it ain't. Not as smooth, by a long chalk. And does not cock on closing. Lawyers probably saw to that.

Tang sight, octagonal barrel, .30-40 Krag caliber...How can you go wrong? Beautiful purchase. Hope it shoots well for you. Thanks for sharing.

I have a model 1885 in .22 LR, it was licensed by Winchester, made by Miroku, and has a Browning tang rear sight. The 1885 was John Browning's first design, he sold to Winchester.