Model: 1885 Low Wall

Serial Number: 77648

Year of Manufacture: 1897

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot Rifle with Set Trigger

Barrel Length: 28", Octagonal No. 2 Barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beech sight dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The top tang is installed with a graduated peep sight. The factory letter confirms that this rifle shipped with a graduated peep and globe sight. It is unclear if this is how Winchester recorded the beech front sight at the time.

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 brass Swiss buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. There are a few minor handling marks and scattered compressions which have darkened with age. The LOP measures 13 ¼" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some minor tarnish. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Colored

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is light erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its current metal finish. Most of the barrel retains strong blue finish with some scattered surface corrosion, generally held on the muzzle end of the barrel. The receiver has some visible but slightly muted case color which is interrupted by areas of oxidation and discoloration. There is some vibrant case color reserved in the protected areas. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The set trigger breaks crisply. 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: This rifle comes with a Cody Firearms Records Office search confirming that rifle was made in 1897 with a #2 Octagon barrel, set trigger, graduated peep and globe sight, and swiss buttplate.

Our Assessment: When they were first manufactured, 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 targeted at competitors in "Match Shooting", a sport which was extremely popular from about 1871 to 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 is chambered for .22 Long Rifle with a 28" #2 octagonal barrel. With rare and desirable features such as the factory sights, set trigger, and swiss buttplate, this Winchester Low Wall will make a nice addition to any collection and could be out plinking or taking small game for another century.