Miroku/Winchester 66

[ShotgunDave]

I'm on my way to my LGS to pick up my Miroku/Winchester 66. I can't even wait!

I just wanted to pique everyone's interest. Pictures to follow in a couple hours when I return.


Sorry, I'm such a tease...............

[ShotgunDave]

As promised, here it is! This really is a beautiful rifle. I'm very excited to have it.




It's a "Short Rifle" in Winchester nomenclature. It has a 20" round barrel and it's chambered in 44-40. I believe the crescent butt plate has something to do with the rifle designation. I think the carbines have the flat butt and saddle ring. I could be wrong.






The brass has a satin sheen to it. And it's got a bit of a reddish hue, not apparent in the pictures. I'm hoping the brass will develop a nice patina to it over time. I have no intention of polishing it.




And here's the money shot. That ever important name!





It might seem silly to spend the extra money for the Winchester name, but in the scheme of things, they cost about the same as an Uberti. Not that there's anything wrong with Uberti, quite the contrary. Uberti makes a fine Winchester copy. A lot of the CAS guys won't use anything but an Uberti. For me, I just wanted to be able to say, "I have a Winchester". Even though it too, is just a Japanese copy. But it still says Winchester.

[Captainkirk]

Drop dead gorgeous!

[ShotgunDave]

Drop dead gorgeous!

Thanks Capt!

I think tonight is going to be just like when I was a kid. When I got my first Daisy BB gun, it slept right next to me in the bed. I think this Winchester is gonna be warm tonight..........

[Miguel Loco]

One thing for sure.....it'll never talk back! Great lookin' rifle!

[ShotgunDave]

Thanks Fellas!

Scooby, I had the opportunity to buy either this rifle or an Uberti in .38/.357 caliber. I chose the Winchester for two reasons. One, because it is a Winchester. And you're correct, the fit and finish is just a little better than the Uberti guns. At least to my eye. Secondly, the chambering in 44-40. I wanted the rifle to be in an original caliber. So 44-40 was it for me.

Previously I've only reloaded shotshells and .45 Colt in BP. So I had to outfit myself with everything needed for 44-40. Everything has been acquired and is enroute to me now.

I may have to find a pair of pistols in the same caliber to match it.

[Captainkirk]

I may have to find a pair of pistols in the same caliber to match it.

Good luck in that endeavor! Very few new repro revolvers are chambered in .44-40. I've been looking too.

FWIW, these rifles and carbines were NOT originally chambered in .44-40, but rather in .44 Henry, a rimfire cartridge (tip of the hat to Scooby for that info) although the '66 was in production until 1892 and I believe some of the later models had the option of a .44-40 chambering (somebody correct me if I'm wrong here).
I hope your Winny was warm and cozy last night...

[Hawg]

I may have to find a pair of pistols in the same caliber to match it.

Good luck in that endeavor! Very few new repro revolvers are chambered in .44-40. I've been looking too.

FWIW, these rifles and carbines were NOT originally chambered in .44-40, but rather in .44 Henry, a rimfire cartridge (tip of the hat to Scooby for that info) although the '66 was in production until 1892 and I believe some of the later models had the option of a .44-40 chambering (somebody correct me if I'm wrong here).
I hope your Winny was warm and cozy last night...

That is a beautiful rifle. They were chambered in 44-40 towards the end of production. Uberti still makes 44-40 revolvers, check Taylors or Cimarron. As for the difference between rifles and carbines, Rifles have a crescent butt, more drop in the stock, the mag tube is dovetailed and they have a nose cap secured with screws. The difference between a rifle and a short rifle is barrel length.

[LonesomePigeon]

That is a super nice rifle. In addition to what Hawg says, I think a carbine would also have a barrel band. 

[G Dog]

Congratulations Shotgun.  You've really got something there.  Nice pictures, too.  Well done.

[Hawg]

That is a super nice rifle. In addition to what Hawg says, I think a carbine would also have a barrel band.

They do but having a dovetailed mag tube and a nose cap precludes the use of a barrel band.

[ShotgunDave]

Thanks Fellas, for the Kindly words and helpful explanations.

I should have all my supplies by Friday, so I can load up some rounds. I'm really hoping to burn some powder in it this weekend. If that happens, a shooting report will be forthcoming.

Also, I will do a pictorial on how I load the cartridges for it. They will be real BP and lead bullets.

[mike116]

I load 44 WCF on my turret press but once in awhile I get out my old Winchester loading tool and put some cartridges together the old fashioned way.       http://blackpowdersmoke.com/colt/index.php?topic=1540.0

[ShotgunDave]

Gentlemen, I have not located a reference were the 1866 was chambered in 44-40. Was hoping one of you could direct me.  Thanks.

Here's a quick one Scooby. I know it's Wikipedia but it does say that later 66's were chambered for 44WCF

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_rifle

[ShotgunDave]

Gentlemen, I have not located a reference were the 1866 was chambered in 44-40. Was hoping one of you could direct me.  Thanks.

Here's a quick one Scooby. I know it's Wikipedia but it does say that later 66's were chambered for 44WCF

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_rifle

.....but, I also see every other reference stating that no 66 was ever FACTORY chambered for the 44-40. The Only centerfire round chambered in the 66 was a modified 44 Henry round. 44-40 came out with the 73. The carrier in the 66 was too short to accommodate the 44 WCF round.