Winchester Miroku 1885 Limited Series .405 Win. 28″ Single Shot Rifle, 2003
SOLD FOR: $1425
LSB#: 220221SB077
Make: Winchester, Made by Miroku in Japan
Model: 1885 Limited Series High Wall
Serial Number: 00103MX85C
Year of Manufacture: 2003 (MX date code)
Caliber: 405 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “—WINCHESTER—”, “U.S. REPEATING ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. / JAPAN/MIROKU”, and “WINCHESTER TRADEMARKS LICENSED FROM OLIN CORPORATION”. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked “1885 LIMITED SERIES” and “CAL..405 WIN ONLY”. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the chamber ring each have an ovalled “WP” proof. The right of the receiver is marked with the serial number at the bottom-rear..
Barrel Length: 28″ Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade with a serrated rear face that is dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn U-notch sight with an elevator piece that is dovetailed to the barrel. The upper tand is equipped with a fully adjustable peep aperture sight. There is one drilled, tapped, and filled hole on the barrel behind the rear sight and two on the top of the chamber ring for mounting an optic (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with schnabel forend, straight grip, straight comb, sling studs front & rear, and a crescent steel buttplate. There are no noteworthy imperfections. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plat has no major defects. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore but there are some machining marks.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only minor handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action works correctly. The trigger breaks crisply and 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: Included is a serial matching box, box sleeve, safety lock, and the manual.
Our Assessment: In 1879 John Browning was granted a patent for a new rifle design that was to become one of the most famous single shot rifles ever produced. It was sleek, symmetrical, and very strong. The design was better than anything available at that time, including the legendary Sharps. The Browning rifle was of falling block design, with a centrally located trigger. The lever was a graceful S shape, and the hammer recessed into the action for easy loading and extraction. It is still, to this day, one of the best single shot rifles ever designed. Over the next few years after its development, John and his brothers manufactured approximately six hundred of his single shot rifles before the manufacturing rights were sold to Winchester, who introduced the rifle as their Model 1885 Single Shot. This is a Model 1885 High-Wall made by Winchester in 2003 as a part of their Limited Series. It has a 28” barrel chambered for .405 Winchester and a rich blued finish. This one looks like it was hardly ever out of the included box and rates in Excellent condition. Please see our photos and good luck!