Source: ATF P 5300.11 · Curios or Relics List · Jan 1972 – Apr 20253,573 entries · 4 sections
The C&R RegisterA finding aid to the ATF Curios or Relics List, for Type 03 collectors
C&R · IIIA · 048

Winchester Model 1885 carbine, .44-40 WCF, 15-inch barrel

Section IIIA: removed from the NFA, classed as an antique (outside the GCA)

Official wording

ATF P 5300.11 · APRIL 2025 EDITION · SECTION IIIA · VERBATIM · PDF P. 81 ↗

Winchester, Model 1885 carbine, cal. .44 WCF, S/N 83313, with factory fitted 15-inch barrel.

Representative line. ATF lists each serial number on its own line. 9 entries cover this 15-inch .44-40 WCF configuration across the .44 WCF and .44-40 WCF caliber wordings.

What this entry requires

  • ATF REQUIRESConfigured as the ATF wording states: “with factory fitted 15-inch barrel”
  • ATF REQUIRESYour serial number is one ATF listsATF: “S/N 83313”
  • ATF REQUIRESMade 1898 or earlier (ATF’s dates)
  • INFOAn antique under federal law, outside the GCA.

Editorial facts · Our research

Country
United States
Manufacturer
Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Type
Rifle
Action
Other²
Caliber
.44-40 WCF
Made
Listed serials only · c. 1885–1898ATF: made in 1898 or earlier; start year approximate¹
Service
Commercial
Search listings ↗Check a specific gunReport an error ↗

Source

Official wording
ATF P 5300.11, April 2025 edition · Section IIIA · PDF p. 81 ↗ · ATF original ↗
Entries
9 lines
Verbatim check
Checked against the PDF text before every release
Editorial facts
Confidence: Medium · Last revised 17 October 2026 (Data-trust review) · How we rate confidence
References
  1. Wikipedia, “Winchester Model 1885” ↗, years: production 1885–1920
  2. Wikipedia, “Winchester Model 1885” ↗, action: single-shot falling-block action
Fact tags
  • ATF the ATF wording states it.
  • REF ¹ an outside reference supports it; the number points to the list of references.
  • ESTIMATE an approximate or indirect reading, for example the production range of the base model.
  • NO CITATION we haven’t attached a reference for this fact; it’s our editorial reading, not ATF’s.
Source checked
20 October 2026: ATF’s page still lists the April 2025 edition
Corrections
None

Historical context

Winchester Model 1885 carbine, .44-40 WCF, 15-inch barrel

Image: Wikimedia Commons, “Winchester Model 1885.jpg” by Hmaag, CC0. Retrieved October 2026.

Summary: Wikipedia, “Winchester Model 1885”. Text CC BY-SA 4.0.

FROM WIKIPEDIA

The Winchester Model 1885 is a single-shot rifle with a falling-block action. It was principally designed by John Browning. Two models were produced, the Low Wall and the High Wall.