Model 1885 Creedmoor Tang Sight Set Rifle Supplement

Model 1885 Creedmoor Tang Sight Set Rifle Supplement

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Important Supplementary Instructions for Winchester Model 1885 Creedmoor Tang Sight Set Rifle Supplement

The Winchester® Model 1885™ has remained a favorite rifle of dedicated sportsmen and competitors everywhere for over 100 years. This is a genuine vernier tang sight, specifically designed for use on the Model 1885, just like those of yesteryear. Its unique design allows for windage adjustments as fine as 1⁄4 minute of angle. Now the 1885’s full accuracy potential can be realized by the precision of this vernier tang sight, as true in its design as the classic firearm it enhances.

Winchester Rifles and Shotguns 
BACO, Inc.
275 Winchester Avenue 
Morgan, UT 84050-9333 
(800) 945-5237
winchesterguns.com


WARNING: CAREFULLY READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLING OR USING YOUR VERNIER SIGHT. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF YOUR FIREARM POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. OPEN THE ACTION. MAKE CERTAIN YOUR FIREARM IS UNLOADED BEFORE ATTACHING YOUR SIGHT.

Sight Installation

Sight Installation

The Creedmoor vernier tang sight set (Figure 1) may have been installed at the factory. If you purchased this sight as an accessory, perform the following installation instructions or contact a qualified gunsmith for installation.

Descriptions in these instructions generally refer to the firearm in the horizontal, normal firing position. For example, the muzzle is forward or front; the buttstock is rearward or rear; the trigger is downward or underneath; the sights are upward or on top.

Model 1885 Creedmoor Vernier Sight Diagram Figure 1
Model 1885 Creedmoor Vernier Sight Diagram Figure 1

FRONT SIGHT —

1. If there is a front sight already installed on your rifle, remove the front sight by carefully tapping the base of the sight from the left to the right using a hammer and a soft non-marring drift.

2. The vernier front sight is installed with the spirit level to the rear. Start the base of the sight in the dovetail from the right side of the barrel.

3. Gently tap the sight base from right to left using a hammer and a soft non-marring drift until it is centered in the dovetail.

REAR SIGHT —

1. Remove the two screws in the top tang of the rifle buy turning them counterclockwise. When removing or installing the rear sight assembly, use a screwdriver of the correct size and be careful not to mar or gouge the rifle’s finish.

2. Secure the rear sight assembly to the tang of the rifle using the two screws supplied (Figure 2).

The rear sight assembly features a detent that securely holds the sight in place during use and allows it to be folded down rearward for transportation. In the folded position, the rear sight should not be allowed to touch the buttstock of the rifle as it will mar the rifle’s finish (Figure 3). A small fabric or leather pad inserted between the rear sight and the comb of the buttstock may help prevent marring of both the sight and the stock during transportation and storage.

The rear sight assembly allows you to choose from sight disks in three different aperture sizes: .050", .060", and .070". The size of the aperture is stamped on the back side of the sight disk as 50, 60 or 70, respectively. These apertures allow you to adjust to changing light conditions.

The sight disk is threaded into the elevator and when secured, performs a lock-down function to prevent vertical movement of the elevator. 

Model 1885 Creedmoor Vernier Rear Sight Diagram Figure 2
Model 1885 Creedmoor Vernier Rear Sight Diagram Figure 2
Model 1885 Creedmoor Vernier Rear Sight Collapsed Figure 3
Model 1885 Creedmoor Vernier Rear Sight Collapsed Figure 3

Front Sight Insert Installation

Front Sight Insert Installation

Eight separate front sight inserts are provided with your vernier sight on a special sheet of spring steel (Figure 4). Carefully break each sight insert from the sheet by holding the entire insert firmly between your thumb and forefinger. Work the insert back and forth gently until it cleanly breaks from the sheet. A plastic container is provided for storage of front sight inserts after they are separated from the sheet. 

Model 1885 Creedmoor Vernier Sight Insert Figure 4
Model 1885 Creedmoor Vernier Sight Insert Figure 4

INSERT INSTALLATION —

1. Remove the sight retaining ring from the front sight body by turning the knurled end counterclockwise (Figure 5).

2. Select which sight insert you wish to use and place it in the sight body. The sides of each insert are designed to fit snugly into the notches in the sides of the front sight body (Figure 6).

3. Before rethreading the sight retaining ring into the sight body, firmly snug the insert completely in the front sight body or damage to the insert will occur. Replace the retaining ring and tighten it firmly against the insert.

Model 1885 Creedmoor Vernier Sight Insert Figure 5 and 6
Model 1885 Creedmoor Vernier Sight Insert Figure 5 and 6

SIGHT INSERT REMOVAL —

1. Remove the sight retaining ring from the front sight body by turning the knurled end counterclockwise (Figure 5).

2. Gently pick the insert out with a small screwdriver, being careful to not damage either the insert or the sight body.

The front sight body is adjustable for windage and also features a small bubble level to indicate when the rifle is perfectly level, helping to eliminate unwanted canting.

CAUTION: BEFORE MAKING ANY VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT OF THE ELEVATOR, BE SURE TO LOOSEN THE SIGHT DISK A HALF-TURN. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE SIGHT.


Sight Adjustment Instructions

Sight Adjustment Instructions

FRONT SIGHT WINDAGE (HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT) —

1. To adjust the front sight for windage loosen the left locking screw, moving the sight body with the right adjustment screw, then retightening the locking screw.

2. Move the front sight body to the left to move the point of bullet impact to the right. Each index mark on the front sight represents 5 minutes of angle.

REAR SIGHT WINDAGE (HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT) — 

Rear sight windage adjustments are made by turning the windage knob. The mechanism is built on a left-hand thread. Therefore, clockwise turns move the sight body to the left. Counterclockwise turns move the sight body to the right. Move the rear sight body in the same direction you want the point of bullet impact to move.

The windage knob features large and small index marks on the right side. Rotating the assembly from one large mark to the next results in 1⁄2 minute of angle of adjustment. Moving from a large mark to the nearest small index provides 1⁄4 minute of angle of adjustment. One entire revolution of the windage knob equals 2 1⁄2 minutes of angle.

REAR SIGHT ELEVATION (VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT) — 

Elevation adjustments are made by turning the elevation knob on the rear sight. 

IMPORTANT: BEFORE MAKING ANY VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT OF THE ELEVATOR, BE SURE TO LOOSEN THE SIGHT DISK A HALF-TURN. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE SIGHT.

The rear sight ladder, or staff, is indexed in increments of 5 minutes of angle. The elevator is indexed in increments of 1 minute of angle. In Figure 6, the sight is set for 25 minutes of angle. Note how the smaller index marks on the elevator do not align themselves with any index mark on the staff at this point.

Model 1885 Creedmoor 25 Minutes of Angle Figure 6
Model 1885 Creedmoor 25 Minutes of Angle Figure 6

To move the elevator up one minute of angle (to 26), turn the elevation knob clockwise until the first small index mark on the elevator aligns with the “30” index mark on the staff (Figure 7). To continue an additional minute of angle (to 27), turn the elevation knob until the second small index mark on the elevator aligns with the “35” index mark on the staff (Figure 8). To continue in increments of one minute of angle, continue the adjustment procedure as explained, always aligning the next index mark on the elevator with the very next index mark on the staff.

When a full 5 minute cycle of angle adjustment has been finished, the first line on the elevator will align with the next 5 minute mark on the staff. (In this example, the “30” index mark.)

Model 1885 Creedmoor 26 Minutes of Angle Figure 7
Model 1885 Creedmoor 26 Minutes of Angle Figure 7
Model 1885 Creedmoor 27 Minutes of Angle Figure 8
Model 1885 Creedmoor 27 Minutes of Angle Figure 8

Parts, Service, Repair, and Questions

Parts, Service, Repair, and Questions

If your Winchester rifle or shotgun should ever need service or repair, it is often best to contact a Winchester Rifles and Shotguns Authorized Repair Center. To locate an Authorized Repair Center visit www.winchesterguns.com or contact our customer service department. In some cases it is appropriate to use the Winchester Rifles and Shotguns Service Center in Arnold, Missouri. If you have any questions contact our customer service department and we can help you determine the best place to service your firearm.

Parts listings, Repair Center lists, service procedures, service/repair form and general product information are also found on the Web at:

www.winchesterguns.com.

When returning your firearm for servicing, you must do the following:

1. Be sure it is completely unloaded.

2. Remove the scope or other optics.

3. Package it securely in a cardboard container.

4. When sending your firearm, enclose the service/repair form available at www.winchesterguns.com or a letter that clearly describes the trouble experienced, the ammunition used and the repairs desired. Also include your name and a daytime phone number where you can be reached.

5. If convenient, send a copy of the service/repair form or letter to us separately.

6. Never return ammunition with your firearm. It is against postal and most commerce regulations.

PARTS, SERVICE, REPAIR STATUS AND TECHNICAL QUESTIONS —

Winchester Rifles and Shotguns Parts and Service
BACO, Inc.
3005 Arnold Tenbrook Road
Arnold, MO 63010-9406
Phone: (800) 322-4626

GENERAL PRODUCT AND HISTORICAL QUESTIONS —

Winchester Rifles and Shotguns Customer Service
BACO, Inc.
275 Winchester Avenue
Morgan, UT 84050-9333
Phone: (800) 945-5237

CAUTION: PARTS ARE MADE FOR WINCHESTER BRAND FIREARMS MANUFACTURED BY OR FOR WINCHESTER RIFLES AND SHOTGUNS, AND SHOULD NOT BE USED IN OTHER FIREARMS, EVEN THOUGH MODELS MAY BE SIMILAR. IMPROPERLY FITTED PARTS MAY BE DANGEROUS.


Website Information

Website Information

An information resource for Winchester Rifles and Shotguns is found on the World Wide Web. 

  • List of Authorized Repair Centers.
  • Customer Service information.
  • Firearm Service/Repair Form.
  • Answers to many technical and historical questions.
  • Links to helpful sites.

Go to: www.winchesterguns.com