Looked at some 'old' Winchesters belonging to a friend this afternoon.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
One was a "Model 1886" with patent dates 1884 and 1885. It has a 3 digit serial number under the frame. BUT, it was prefexed with the letter "R" ??? - R497.
Looking up just the number 497 indicates the rifle was mfg. in 1886. (Obviously)
BUT, does anyone know what the "R" stands for?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The rifle WAS re-barreled long ago and stamped "45-70". Also the barrel is stamped with the initials of the gunsmith, B.J.
Another friend speculated the gunsmith added the "R" because of re-barreling. (The R does NOT look 'added' to me.)
Any 'help' sure appreciated.
