Make: Winchester
Model: 1885 High Wall
Serial Number: 20053
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1888 / Antique
Caliber: .40-65
Action Type: Lever-Actuated Falling-Block Single-Shot Rifle and Close Coupled Double Set-Trigger
Barrel Length: 31.5" Octagon. Ron Long, Denver barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable globe sight with level. There is no rear sight or dovetail. The tang is installed with a vernier tang sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut. The forend has a schnabel tip with ebony insert. The buttstock has a straight grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8" from the front of the set trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition as refinished or replaced.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardened
Finish Originality: Refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There are minor nicks and dings on the outer edge of the muzzle. There are a few small nicks on top of the receiver above the chamber. The case color is strong and vibrant throughout. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition custom refinished antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger breaks crisply and is fairly light. The lever locks up solidly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1885 grew from John M. Browning’s early single-shot design and became Winchester’s first single-shot rifle, earning a lasting reputation for the strength, simplicity, and accuracy of its falling-block action. The High Wall receiver was particularly suited to powerful centerfire cartridges and later became a favored foundation for custom Schuetzen and black-powder cartridge rifles. Built on an 1888-vintage action, this custom .40-65 combines a 31.5" octagon Ron Long barrel with a spirit-level globe front sight, vernier tang sight, set-trigger system, and traditional walnut stocks, giving it the purposeful configuration of a dedicated long-range or target rifle.
This rifle is in Fine condition as a custom, refinished Antique, retaining about 99% of its current blue and case-hardened finish. The case colors remain strong and vibrant, with only minor marks around the muzzle and above the chamber. The refinished or replaced walnut stocks rate in about Fine condition with scattered light handling marks and no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, shows no erosion, and rates 9/10. The falling-block action functions correctly, the lever locks solidly, and the set trigger breaks crisply and lightly. Its excellent bore, quality Ron Long barrel, traditional target sights, and attractive custom restoration make this a compelling shooting-oriented High Wall with strong appeal to single-shot and black-powder cartridge rifle enthusiasts.
