Single Shot Inc. / Big Timber MT. Model 1885, Blue 28” Single Shot High Wall Falling Block Rifle
SOLD FOR:$1,590.00
LSB#: 150922HI21
Make: Single Shot Inc.
Model: 1885 High Wall
Serial Number: 1097
Year of Manufacture: Late 1970s
Caliber: .40-65
Action Type: Single Shot, Single Action, Lever Actuated Falling Block
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “SINGLE SHOT INC. / BIG TIMBER MT.” and “40-65”. The top of the receiver is marked “4581”. The underside of the receiver is marked “1097”.
Barrel Length: 28” Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe with a level dovetailed to the barrel. A 3mm cross hair/peep hole insert is currently installed. The long range Soule sight has a Hadley eyecup with 9 selectable apertures. The elevation scale is calibrated from 0 to 225. The sight is also adjustable for windage. All the adjustments are smooth and solid. Two reverse dovetail mounts, two pairs of tapped holes and a filled dovetail slot are visible on the top of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece straight grip smooth oiled walnut stocks feature a Schnabel forend and a fluted butt stock. A neoprene cheek pad is affixed to the comb. Multiple compression marks are visible in the forend and butt stock, but no structural issues are evident. The LOP measures 13 ½” from the front of the forward trigger to the back of the solid rubber recoil pad which is mounted to a black spacer and sports a textured pattern and a Decelerator logo on the rear surface. The recoil pad exhibits mild marks from use and the rubber is pliable. The recoil pad is in Fine condition and the stocks rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrel, Case Colored Receiver, Lever and Hammer
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The case coloring on the receiver, lever and hammer is strong and rich and only minor marks and a light dusting of pinprick finish loss is present. The finish on the barrel is deep and exhibits scattered shallow marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition and would rate much higher were it not for a mechanical issue describe below in Mechanics.
Mechanics: The action seems to have an issue with the trigger return. The problem resolved itself and after a few more attempts has not recurred. The trigger doesn’t always move forward when the lever is cocked, so the hammer draws back a bit and falls when the action is put into battery. This can lead to an accidental discharge. The trigger is adjustable and the issue may be easily solved, but we are not gun smiths. Please have this rifle checked out and adjusted by a qualified gun smith before firing. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The 1885 Winchester High Wall is a great Target rifle with great success at long range Cowboy side matches. Anyone who has fired a 40-65 will tell you it is a great cartridge and a lot of fun to shoot. This rifle is beautiful and commands attention at the range.
