SBW351 said
Hi there,

I recently acquired an 1885 low wall in .22 short.   I’m having a hard time attaching a photo.  It’s an early example S/N 5xxx, DOB presumably 1886, pretty fantastic marbling in the wood, and crescent butt.  Looking to dig up some reading material/info on them, any recommendations on particular books or web pages is greatly appreciated.  I’ve sent an order to the Cody center for a letter, looking to do some research in the meantime.  I haven’t had it to the range yet, but the bore is bright and clean, action is smooth and crisp.  Bluing has aged to a nice honest patina.

Any info or recommendations are welcomed.

thanks, 

SW  

You can send the pictures to me, and I can post them for you.

We encourage people to post complete serial numbers when inquiring about a specific rifle.  A serial number in the 5000 – 5999 range would have been manufactured late in the year 1886, and should be a First variation low-wall.  Is the caliber marking “22 CAL R.F.” or “22 SHORT” ?

Bert – [email protected]

SBW351 said
Thanks Bert,

I’ve sent a few pics your direction, not the best photographer sorry.

Thank you Chuck & Clarence, I was able to borrow Vol 1&2 by Campbell, haven’t gone through them yet. Was able to go through “Winchester .22 Calibre single shot rifle”, by Houze, and picked up some interesting tidbits there too.

Thanks again, the intricacies of the 1885 are fascinating.

SW  

I did receive a few pictures from Scott, and he has an early production low-wall Special Sporting Rifle. Pistol grip 3X H-pattern checkered stocks, standard 24-inch No. 1 octagon barrel. It has the second style caliber marking.

Bert

As a side note to this topic, I recently submitted a detailed article for the Collector Magazine that should answer any questions about the Model 1885 cartridges. It is titled “The Model 1885 Single Shot Rifle Calibers & Cartridges“, and is the culmination of more than 30-years of research.

Bert