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Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall .32-20 WCF 28" Single Shot Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall .32-20 WCF 28  Single Shot Rifle
Beautiful Antique Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall .32-20 WCF 28" Single Shot Rifle, MFD 1889

Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall rifle chambered in .32 WCF and made in 1889. When they were first manufactured, the John Browning designed 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 should be a soft shooter, with the .32-20 cartridge chambered in a 28" #2 Weight octagonal barrel. If you're just looking for a piece with great history attached to it to add to your collection, the Model 1885 is the first firearm Winchester would produce using a Browning design, marking the first time John Moses Browning works with a firearms company and starts a relationship that would see some of the best Western firearms produced in history.

Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 Low Wall

Serial Number: 33115

Year of Manufacture: 1889

Caliber: .32-20 WCF

Action Type: Falling Block Single Shot with Single Set Trigger

Barrel Length: 28", #2 Weight, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed and screw-set to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut. The schnabel tip forend has a triangular ebony inlay. The buttstock has a straight wrist, straight comb, casehardened steel crescent buttplate and "GIOVANNINI" stamped in the belly behind the tang. The stocks have scattered compressions, dings, scratches and scrapes. There are short cracks at the rear of the top tang and the right corner of the buttplate’s tang. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, 13 3/8" when the trigger is set. The plate has mostly worn to white with scattered minor oxidation. The stocks rate in about Very Good-Fine overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp. There is some scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. There are some scattered spots of oxidation, scabbing and erosion on the barrel. The barrel has some streaks and scratches from abrasive cleaning. There are some nicks, dings, and scratches. There is some scattered light oxidation on the frame and areas of thinning, but the case color is generally strong and vibrant. There is finish loss and some scabbing on the lever and tang. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the serial marking is shallow, appropriate for this era. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition as Antique.

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: None.

CA Legality: CA Classified Antique: YeS,