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Winchester Model 1885 High Wall .32-40 Rifle & Winchester A5 Scope

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 2,000.00 USD
Winchester Model 1885 High Wall .32-40 Rifle & Winchester A5 Scope
Winchester Model 1885 High Wall .32-40 30" Single Shot Rifle & Winchester A5 Scope

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 1904 example is a cool one, it has a 30" No. 3 profile barrel, set trigger, target sights, and has been equipped with a vintage Winchester A5 scope. It comes with a Cody Firearms Museum letter as well as a photo of the original owner, elihu Ulysses Beecher. You can never go wrong with a Browning designed Winchester!

Make: Winchester

Model: 1885

Serial Number: 96188

Year of Manufacture: 1904

Caliber: .32-40

Action Type: Falling Block Single-Shot with Single Set-Trigger

Barrel Length: 30", Octagonal, #3 Weight

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman globe-style sight with an aperture post, adjustable for windage in a base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight dovetail currently has a spirit-level installed. The top tang is drilled and tapped with a folding tang sight installed, adjustable for elevation. There are sight blocks installed on the barrel with a Winchester A5 scope installed with crosshair reticle. The scope has scattered wear in the body, the glass could use a good cleaning but does not have any cracks.

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. The stocks have nicks, scratches, scrapes, compressions and areas of discoloration. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with some minor oxidation. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color Lever & Breech-Block

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is scattered minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges and there is scattered finish loss, most notable on the receiver. There are areas of patina and oxidation. There are nicks and dings with some spots of scabbing and erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed scope, a photo of its original owner, and a Cody Firearms Museum letter.

CA Legality: C&R: YeS, CA PPT: NO.