Winchester 1885 Cenrefire Rifle Instructions Manual

Licensee
As one of the Classic Traditions models you can expect
the same quality and satisfaction as with the original, 
historic Model 1885 introduced by Winchester in 1885.
And, as with the original, you’ll appreciate its elegant
design, strong action and smooth functioning.
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS 
FORMODEL 1885
SINGLE SHOT, 
HIGH AND LOW WALL 
CENTERFIRE RIFLES275 Winchester Avenue
Morgan, UT, USA 84050-9333
Winchester trademarks licensed from Olin Corporation
03-101_WFA_1885 Centerfire  7/17/03...

Important instructions for Winchester Model 1885 SINGLE SHOT, HIGH AND LOW WALL 
CENTERFIRE RIFLESCustomer Service Department
275 Winchester Avenue
Morgan, Utah 84050-9333
Phone: 1-800-945-5237If you have any questions or comments regarding 
your new firearm, please feel free to write or call us.
Use the space below to record information about 
your new firearm.
Model______________________________________
Caliber _____________________________________
Serial Number  ______________________________...

1
Contents PageGun Safety Warnings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
General Description  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Terminology and Descriptions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Serial Number  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Ammunition  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Initial Cleaning  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Operation of the Hammer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11...

GUN
SAFETY
WARNINGS
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THESE OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS BE THOROUGHLY STUDIED
BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM TO
ASSURE PROPER AND SAFE GUN 
HANDLING. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS OR FAILURE TO OBEY
ANY SAFETY WARNING MAY RESULT IN
INJURY TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS, OR
CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR GUN. As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding
responsibilities. How seriously you take these 
responsibilities can be the difference between life 
and death. There is no excuse for careless or abusive...

pressure and possible serious personal injury.
4. Incorrectly reloaded ammunition can cause 
serious personal injury and damage to the firearm 
due to excessive pressure. Reload only after proper
instruction and in strict compliance with instruction
and data contained in current reloading manuals.
5. Never point a gun at anything you do not intend
to shoot. Always keep it pointed in a safe direction in
case of accidental discharge.
6. Always check to ensure that the barrel is free of
obstructions before...

14. Never alter any parts of your gun. Any alter-
ations or adjustments that may become necessary to
the operating mechanism should be performed by a
qualified gunsmith.
15. Hunting from elevated surfaces such as tree
stands is dangerous. Doing so may increase the risk of
handling any firearm. Always make certain that the
stand being used is safe, sturdy and stable. Always
make certain your firearm is unloaded when it is
being taken up and down from the stand. Always
make certain that your firearm is not...

5
the Model 1885 design. After reading the warnings 
in the front of this manual, Figure 1 is a good place to
start to become familiar with your rifle.
Cycling the lever downward opens the breech and
drops the hammer out of the way. This leaves easy
access to the chamber area for inserting a round.
When the lever is returned upward the breech closes
and the hammer moves upward again — but now the
hammer is in the cocked position.
After firing, the lever can be returned downward
which again lowers the...

M
ODEL
1885, F
EATURES
FIGURE
1
After more than 70 years, the Winchester Model
1885 is back. It is a careful reproduction of one of
the original configurations. A superb rifle with the
fit and finish that you expect in a Winchester. The massive breech block design
is one reason the Model 1885 has
proven so accurateTraditional three-position
hammer: dropped, half cock
and full cock
Drilled and tapped for
scope mounts
(Available separately)
Cartridge ejector
system and shell
deflector
6
03-101_WFA_1885...

Traditional open sights
easily adjustable for 
elevation and drift
adjustable for windage
A special internal hanger system
allows the forearm to be free floating
so it will not affect accuracy
The hammer actually drops down, 
out of the way, when the lever is
cycled forward. This makes loading
and unloading very convenient
7
03-101_WFA_1885 Centerfire  7/17/03  11:16 AM  Page 7 

AMMUNITIONYour Winchester Model 1885 is designed to shoot 
modern factory cartridges only. The caliber of your new
Model 1885 is inscribed on the top of the barrel in front
of the receiver. Use only ammunition for which your
Model 1885 is chambered –– as indicated on the barrel
–– to prevent excessive pressure and possible serious
injury. Winchester ammunition is always an excellent
choice for your new rifle, delivering unmatched 
performance and the dependability you want.MAKE SURE YOU USE ONLY THE...