Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Hunter
Winchester Repeating Arms Company · Rifle · In Production · 1885
Also known as: Winchester Low Wall, Model 1885 Low Wall Hunter
Overview
The Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Hunter is the small-cartridge variant of Browning's classic falling-block single-shot rifle, distinguished by a shorter receiver wall that exposes more of the hammer and breech block. Designed for less powerful rounds - historically rimfire and pistol cartridges, today modern varmint and small centerfire chamberings - the Low Wall blends Schuetzen-era aesthetics with thoroughly modern tolerances. Current Miroku-built rifles ship in calibers like .22 Hornet, .223 Rem, .243 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor with a 24-inch full-octagon barrel.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3402 g (120.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1016 mm (40.00") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Polished Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Hornet · primary — also known as 5.6x35mmR
- .223 Remington — also known as .223 Rem
- .243 Winchester — also known as .243 Win
- 6.5 Creedmoor — also known as 6.5 CM
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch, Manual Hammer Block
- Features: Falling Block Action, Low Wall Receiver, Exposed Hammer, Full Octagon Barrel, Walnut Stock, Checkered Grip, Schnabel Forearm, Semi Buckhorn Rear Sight, Gold Bead Front Sight, Drilled And Tapped, Pachmayr Recoil Pad, Curved Finger Lever
Variants
- Winchester 1885 Low Wall Hunter Rimfire — Rimfire Only
Base model
Production
Production years: 1885-1920, 1985-present
Modern Miroku production. Original Low Wall variants chambered the .22 Short, .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40 cartridges of the day.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John Moses Browning
Notes
Weight 3,402 g (7 lb 8 oz); overall length 1,016 mm (40 in); barrel 610 mm (24 in); length of pull 343 mm (13.5 in); MSRP around $1,789.99. Grade III/IV walnut stock; semi-buckhorn rear sight + gold bead front. A separate Low Wall Hunter Rimfire model is offered in .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR and .17 WSM.
Background
Browning designed the Low Wall as a near-twin of the High Wall but with the receiver sidewalls cut down - both to save weight for small-caliber sporting use and so the shooter could see the hammer at a glance. It became the gentleman's gallery and varmint rifle of the late 19th century, popular with target shooters who didn't need to wrestle a buffalo cartridge.