Winchester Model 1885 Special Sporting Rifle
Winchester Repeating Arms Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1885
Also known as: Winchester High Wall, Winchester Single Shot, Model 1885 High Wall Sporting Rifle
Overview
The Winchester Model 1885 Special Sporting Rifle is a single-shot, falling-block rifle designed by John Browning and produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Built on the strong High Wall receiver, the Special Sporting configuration featured a heavy octagon barrel, a checkered walnut pistol-grip stock, and a crescent buttplate, and was offered in a wide range of chamberings led by target and sporting cartridges such as the .38-55 Winchester, .32-40 Winchester, and .45-70 Government. Its exceptionally robust action made it a favorite for long-range target shooting and medium and large game hunting.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1105 mm (43.50") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| 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) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| 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
- .45-70 Government — also known as .45-70, .45-70 Govt, 11.6x53mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Hammer
- Features: Octagon Barrel, Checkered Pistol Grip Stock, Crescent Buttplate, Tang Sight Ready, High Wall Receiver
Variants
- Winchester Model 1885 High Wall - Receiver
- Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall - Receiver
- Winchester Model 1885 Schuetzen Rifle - Target
Service history
Operators
- American civilian sport shooters and hunters · adopted 1885
Production
Estimated total produced: 140,000 · Production years: 1885-1920
Approximately 140,000 Model 1885 rifles of all configurations produced by Winchester through 1920
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John Browning
Discontinued: 1920
Notes
The 1885 was offered in more calibers than any other Winchester rifle. The Special Sporting Rifle was one of many High Wall configurations; barrel length and weight varied by order, with 28-30 inch octagon barrels common on the sporting and target models.
Background
The Model 1885 was the first firearm design John Browning sold to Winchester, launching a partnership that would shape the company's lineup for decades. Its falling-block action was so strong that Winchester used the rifle itself as a proof gun to test-fire newly developed high-pressure cartridges.