Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Hunter
Winchester Repeating Arms Company · Rifle · In Production · 1885
Also known as: Winchester High Wall, Model 1885 High Wall Hunter
Overview
The Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Hunter is the centerfire variant of Browning's iconic falling-block single-shot rifle, featuring tall receiver side walls that fully enclose the breech and reinforce the action against high-pressure cartridges. Modern production by Miroku of Japan offers it in 12 calibers ranging from varmint rounds like .22-250 Remington up to .325 WSM and .300 Winchester Magnum. With a 28-inch full-octagon barrel, walnut stock, and finely adjustable trigger, the High Wall remains a favored platform for precision target shooting and traditional hunting.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3856 g (136.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1118 mm (44.02") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Polished Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as 30-06, 7.62x63mm
- .300 Winchester Magnum — also known as .300 Win Mag, 7.62x67mm
- .223 Remington — also known as .223 Rem
- .22-250 Remington — also known as .22-250
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch, Manual Hammer Block
- Features: Falling Block Action, High Wall Receiver, Exposed Hammer, Full Octagon Barrel, Walnut Stock, Schnabel Forearm, Checkered Grip, Adjustable Trigger, Drilled And Tapped, Pachmayr Recoil Pad, No Sights
Base model
Production
Production years: 1885-1920, 1985-present
Modern Miroku production includes both Browning- and Winchester-branded variants; total reissue production unspecified.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John Moses Browning
Notes
MSRP around $1,789.99. 28-inch full octagon barrel; weight 3,856 g (8 lb 8 oz); overall length 1,118 mm (44 in); length of pull 343 mm (13.5 in). No iron sights; drilled and tapped for scope mounts. Twist rates vary by caliber.
Background
The 'High Wall' nickname stuck because the receiver's tall sidewalls visually swallow the breech block and hammer when closed - Browning designed it that way to wring every last psi out of the strongest single-shot action of the 19th century. It became the rifle of choice for Schuetzen-style competition shooting in late 1800s America.