Winchester 1885 High Wall 27.5” .25-20 Falling Block Single Shot Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,525.00
LSB#: WY241202MH081
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1885 High Wall Falling Block Rifle
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1885 to 1920
Caliber: .25-20 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Operated Falling Block Action Single Shot w/ single trigger.
Markings: The bottom of the tang has the 1879 patent date. The sides of the receiver have fine engraving.
Barrel Length: 27.5”
Sights / Optics: The top of the barrel has a Lyman Super Target 15x scope mounted to dovetail scope mounts. The scope is in Very Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece checkered walnut set with a schnabel forend, folding palm rest lug, semi-pistol grip, and Tyrulian stock. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are small chips throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP is just under 12.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stock set is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is pronounced. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There are some light handling marks throughout with a few scattered scuffs and spots of forming rust. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position and the single trigger breaks crisply. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. We are quite certain that the chambering is .25-20, however the chamber should be cast to confirm this.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Scope.
Our Assessment: The Winchester 1885 High Wall in .25-20 is a classic example of John Browning’s legendary falling block rifle design, offering exceptional strength, accuracy, and craftsmanship. Originally introduced in the late 19th century, the Model 1885 became one of the most respected single-shot rifles of its time, favored by hunters, target shooters, and competitors alike. The High Wall designation refers to its taller receiver walls, which provide additional strength, allowing it to handle a variety of cartridges, including centerfire options like the .25-20. With its 27.5-inch barrel, this rifle is optimized for long-range precision, making it an ideal choice for small game hunting, varmint control, and early 20th-century target shooting competitions. Its single-shot nature promotes careful, deliberate marksmanship, which has made the 1885 High Wall a favorite among traditionalists and precision shooters for over a century. One of the defining features of the Winchester 1885 High Wall is its falling block action, which is widely regarded as one of the strongest and smoothest single-shot mechanisms ever designed. The .25-20 WCF (Winchester Center Fire) cartridge, while originally developed for lever-action rifles, is well-suited for this platform, offering mild recoil and excellent accuracy for small game and target shooting. The combination of the long barrel and strong action makes this rifle exceptionally stable, ensuring consistent shot placement and a refined shooting experience. The checkered walnut stock and blued steel finish reflect the high-quality materials and craftsmanship typical of Winchester’s early production rifles, further enhancing its appeal to both collectors and shooters.
For those who appreciate historic American firearms, the Winchester 1885 High Wall in .25-20 is a remarkable addition to any collection. As a C&R-eligible rifle, it represents an important era in Winchester’s production history and offers a direct connection to late 19th and early 20th-century shooting traditions. Whether sought after as a collector’s piece, a functional target rifle, or a beautifully crafted hunting arm, this rifle delivers unmatched reliability, precision, and historical significance. Owning a Winchester 1885 High Wall is not just about having a firearm—it’s about preserving a piece of American shooting heritage, designed by one of the greatest firearms engineers in history. -R.E.
