Winchester Model 1885 Special Single Shot
Winchester Repeating Arms Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1885
Also known as: Winchester Single Shot, Winchester High Wall, Model 1885 Special Sporting Rifle
Overview
The Winchester Model 1885 Special Single Shot is a single-shot, falling-block rifle designed by John M. Browning and manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company from 1885 to 1920. The 'Special Single Shot' was the deluxe target and sporting configuration of the strong High Wall receiver, typically fitted with a heavy octagon barrel, checkered pistol-grip walnut stock, double-set triggers and fine target sights. Chambered most commonly in match cartridges such as the .38-55 Winchester and .32-40 Winchester, its exceptionally strong action made it a favorite of long-range Schuetzen and Creedmoor match shooters.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4080 g (143.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1181 mm (46.50") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Set Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 397 m/s (1302 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1278 J (943 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 6 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 457 mm (17.99") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .38-55 Winchester · primary — also known as .38-55 Win, .38-55 WCF, .38-55 Ballard
- .32-40 Winchester — also known as .32-40 Ballard, .32-40 WCF, .32-40
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Manual
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Falling Block Action, Octagonal Barrel, Pistol Grip Stock, Double Set Trigger, Target Sights, Checkered Walnut Stock
Variants
- Winchester Model 1885 High Wall - Receiver Configuration
- Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall - Receiver Configuration
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · as Winder Musket (.22 training)
Production
Estimated total produced: 140,000 · Production years: 1885-1920
Roughly 140,000 Model 1885 Single Shot rifles of all configurations were produced; chambered over its run in more than 90 different calibers.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John M. Browning
Discontinued: 1920
Notes
The Model 1885 was offered with an extensive list of special-order options, including barrel lengths from 14 to 36 inches, set triggers, fancy wood, target and telescopic sights, and takedown construction. The 'High Wall' receiver enclosed the hammer for stronger cartridges, while the 'Low Wall' left the hammer exposed for lower-pressure rounds.
Background
John Browning designed the falling-block single shot at age 23 in 1878; Winchester's purchase of the design in 1883 began a 20-year Browning-Winchester partnership, and the action was so strong Winchester used it as a proof gun to test-fire its newly developed cartridges.