Whitney Kennedy 45-60

shrapnel · December 23, 2016, 02:46:44 PM

I bought this nice Whitney Kennedy rifle and there really isn't a specific forum for these rifles, but they are similar to the 1876 in age and chamberings. This is a 45-60 which is my favorite vintage cartridge. The serial number is under 300 and it has the "S" lever, factory swivels and double set triggers.I am anticipating shooting it soon...

Will Ketchum · December 23, 2016, 06:09:44 PM

Iv'e always been fascinated by the Whitney Kennedys. I thought the S lever might be a bit more awkward than the Winchester full loop. Don't you have to change your grip while cocking and bring back into battery?

Mike · December 24, 2016, 02:05:22 PM

Very Nice. Like the look of these guns.

Coal Creek Griff · December 24, 2016, 03:10:20 PM

Wow. Which is to say, WOW! Thanks, Shrapnel!

CC Griff

Long Knife Rich · December 24, 2016, 05:32:49 PM

Wow! That rifle looks to be in great shape. Let us know how it shoots.

Blackpowder Burn · December 25, 2016, 07:32:15 AM

Dang, you always find the coolest stuff! Santa must have thought you were a very good boy this year!

shrapnel · December 25, 2016, 10:40:13 AM

Quote from: Blackpowder Burn on December 25, 2016, 07:32:15 AM
Dang, you always find the coolest stuff! Santa must have thought you were a very good boy this year!

Here are a couple SRC that I have as well. One is 44-40, the other a 45-60...

Coal Creek Griff · December 25, 2016, 11:27:07 AM

Thanks again for showing us some of your collection! Most of us only get to see such quality in museums and it's great that you let us join in your enjoyment. Have a very merry Christmas!

CC Griff

Arizona Trooper · December 26, 2016, 01:19:45 PM

Great find! Congratulations. That's the first sporting Kennedy I've seen with a Springfield rear sight. Very interesting. Does it have a prefix ahead of the serial number? The brother yours is in my rack, also 45-60 but no set trigger. It is E4XX. It is supposedly from the first batch made in the 1876 Winchester calibers. It is a great shooter, especially with the heavy Marlin 45-70 bullets.

Buck Stinson · December 26, 2016, 04:14:59 PM

The WK's are beautiful and very well made rifles. I had an octagon barrel sporting rifle several years ago that was almost flat new. It was an early gun in .44 WCF with serpentine lever. The serial number was A-124. Nice early gun. Wish I still had it.

rbertalotto · December 27, 2016, 07:33:15 AM

I got me one of these! It was refinished so I got it at a very good price. Then I found on Ebay a loop lever which I like much better than the "S" lever.

Mine is in 44-40 and is a hoot to use in a Cowboy Action Shoot with Black Powder. Not fast but VERY HIGH style points!

Buzzard Bayne · March 15, 2017, 08:47:02 AM

Quote from: shrapnel on December 23, 2016, 02:46:44 PM

I bought this nice Whitney Kennedy rifle and there really isn't a specific forum for these rifles, but they are similar to the 1876 in age and chamberings. This is a 45-60 which is my favorite vintage cartridge. The serial number is under 300 and it has the "S" lever, factory swivels and double set triggers.I am anticipating shooting it soon...

Cannot see the photos.

King Medallion · March 15, 2017, 01:54:34 PM

I can see it.

Arizona Trooper · March 16, 2017, 06:06:21 PM

Here's my 45-60. It's a keeper for sure! When the gang gets together at the range, the question is always, "Did you bring the Whitney?"

Arizona Trooper · March 18, 2017, 06:53:30 PM

I'm shooting 21 gr. of 5744 and the Lyman 1881 Marlin bullet (#457193). The mold is opened up to 0.462". Goes over the chrono at just under 1100 fps. Whitneys have ~1 in 20 twist, so they like heavy bullets. It shoots black powder just as well, generally 55 gr. Swiss 1.5F with the Marlin bullet.