Winchester 1885 Low Wall 32” .45 Colt Falling Block Rifle W/ Scope MFD 1897
SOLD FOR: $1,500.00
LSB#: WY240902TW021
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1885 Low Wall Falling Block Rifle
Serial Number: 78148
Year of Manufacture: According to the letter from the Cody Firearms Museum this rifle had the serial number applied in April of 1897. The rifle was originally shipped in September of 1898.
Caliber: .45 Colt.
Action Type: Lever Operated Falling Block Action Single Shot w/ single trigger and half cock safety.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “45”. The lower tang is marked “PAT.OCT.7TH 79 78148”. The scope is marked “WM MALCOLM 6X”. Under the handguard on the bottom of the barrel is marked “WCF S” and a star also “1”.
Barrel Length: 32” Octagon #1 weight barrel that was originally 25-20 and has been re bored to .45 Colt.
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the barrel has been dovetail cut and has had a Malcolm 6X scope mounted to it. The scope has external windage and elevation adjustments, a simple cross hair reticle, and brass threaded scope caps. The sight picture is very clear and the light transmission is good. The scope shows minor handling wear on the exterior. Overall the scope is in Excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a smooth hardwood set with a forend that has a Schnabel tip with ebony insert and the buttstock has a straight hand grip with a straight comb and a crescent shaped blued steel buttplate. The LOP is 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood has been sanded and refinished. It shows scattered fine lines and compressions with a larger compression line on the left flank of the stock. There are no chips or cracks. The metal buttplate has lost most of its finish on the curve of the plate. The metal shows some minor scuff marks. Overall the furniture is in Very Good + condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to the replacement parts, refinished on the original parts.
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 98% of its metal finish. There is friction wear on the lever and action. The barrel has some marks and discoloration, with a notable mark about 8” back from the muzzle on the bottom of the barrel. There is some finish loss from the leading edges of the muzzle. There was rust freckling on the top of the hammer before the refinish. There is some pitting on the sides of the barrel near the forend, the receiver, and under the handguard. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are mostly clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition as refinished and rebuilt for C&R.
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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes the Winchester Letter.
Our Assessment: This Winchester 1885 Low Wall rifle, initially crafted in 1897 in .25-20, embodies one of John Browning’s early firearm designs. Known for its simple yet robust single-shot falling-block action, the 1885 became highly regarded for precision shooting and durability. This particular rifle appears to have had the original barrel re-bored in .45 Colt. This 32-inch octagon barrel adds weight, balance, and a traditional look. The .45 Colt chambering is also notable for offering a blend of historical authenticity and compatibility with popular cowboy-action loads.
Equipped with smooth walnut furniture, the rifle retains the clean, classic aesthetics of the era. The wood’s smooth finish contrasts the octagonal barrel, lending an understated elegance that highlights the firearm’s overall craftsmanship. With a single trigger, the 1885 Low Wall preserves the simplicity and functionality Browning intended, enhancing shooter control.
Mounted with a WM Malcolm 6x scope, featuring external adjustments and a simple crosshair reticle, this setup is true to the rifle’s period and purpose. The scope’s external adjustments are a nod to the vintage long-range optics of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, enhancing both its accuracy and historical charm. This refurbished 1885 Low Wall is a unique blend of classic Winchester design with a custom caliber and optics configuration, offering both collectability and shootability in a distinctive package. To better understand this rifle please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
