Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 Low Wall

Serial Number: 72157

Year of Manufacture: 1895

Caliber: .25-20 S.S.

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot

Barrel Length: 28" Octagonal No. 1

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver inverted “V” blade set in a slotted base that is dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch elevator sight dovetailed into the barrel. The top tang has a single drilled, tapped, and filled hole.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut. The forend has a schnabel tip with a triangular ebony inlay. The buttstock has a straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. There are some scattered nicks, dings, compressions, scratches, scuffs, and areas of finish wear. The marks are old and have discolored with age. There are some areas of staining and discoloration. There is a tiny hairline crack at the rear of the top tang. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has worn to white and discolored, and there are some areas of scabbing and minor erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Colored

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There are patches of pitting scattered throughout the bore. In my opinion, this bore rates 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The case color has mostly been lost or thinned, but there are still a few vibrant areas. There are scattered spots of oxidation and a few light scabs. There is finish wear on the edges. There are some nicks, dings, and scratches in the metal. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: When introduced, the John Browning designed Winchester Model 1885 rifles were deemed stronger than the prior Sharps rifles, and the different sight and trigger options available made them an instant hit with hunters and target shooters alike. The Model 1885 rifles were intended for competitors in “Match Shooting”, a sport which was extremely popular from about 1871-1917. The Winchester rifles challenged the Sharps, Remington, Maynard, and Ballard rifles, and quickly became known for their reliability and accuracy. Major Ned Roberts, inventor of the .257 Roberts cartridge, described the Model 1885 as “the most reliable, strongest and altogether best single shot rifle ever produced.”

This example was made in 1895 with a 28" octagonal No. 1 weight barrel chambered for .25-20S.S.It has honest wear for a rifle nearly 130 years old, and has a great amount of original finish remaining. This will make a fine addition to a growing Winchester collection.