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July 22, 2018
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Several years ago I became the owner of this rifle Serial #2695
Currently has a #1 bbl chambered for 38-55 — 28 inches long
I’ll do my best on some pictures—everyone feel free to comment or add your input.
NOTE::
I acquired it because I wanted an 1885 in 38-55. There was no pretense by the seller that it was original or unaltered – the price was right. It’s very accurate and I’ve enjoyed shooting it. Just looking for some context and trying to figure out how to describe it properly. 
Thanks Paul
April 15, 2005
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Paul,
As originally manufactured, it was a Plain Sporting Rifle, 32 Rim fire (32 Short), 26-inch No. 1 octagon barrel. It is a 1st variation low-wall.
The pictures tell me that the barrel has been replaced, and the butt stock is a well made replacement. My question is this… does it have a center fire breech block or is still the original rim fire breech block that has been modified? If you can, please post a picture showing the top of the breech block, and all markings found on the barrel.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
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Hopefully Bert sees this.
It appears to be a standard low wall. But I am not sure about the 28″ barrel? I have a 38-55 highwall with a 28″ barrel. It has a non standard front sight and an added tang sight. I don’t have this in my hands but the finish looks like the rifle may have been stripped and re finished? A picture of the barrel address would help. You need to get a Factory Letter.
The best thing is that you collect what you like.
March 31, 2009
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Bert types faster than me and knows his stuff. Plus he saved you the price of the letter.
July 22, 2018
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Don’t know enough to discern on the breech block. Tried to get a closeup picture. The barrel markings under the stock aren’t legible. 
Muzzle wasnt done very well. Took the Lyman tang sight off and there is an extra threaded hole with a filler/plug in it
April 15, 2005
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Paul,
Your low-wall rifle has the original rim fire breech block. It was undoubtedly altered (reworked) to install a center fire firing pin.
The breech blocks that were made for the center fire cartridges were drilled with a vertical vent hole (see the attached picture).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
June 1, 2023
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Forgive my ignorance, but is the low wall action strong enough for the 38-55 ? All the 38-55 Model 1885 rifles I have seen were high walls.
BRP
September 22, 2011
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Blue Ridge Parson said
Forgive my ignorance, but is the low wall action strong enough for the 38-55 ? All the 38-55 Model 1885 rifles I have seen were high walls.
Probably. A few years ago a one of a kind low wall .38-56 was for sale on Gunbroker, manufactured as such.
April 15, 2005
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Blue Ridge Parson said
Forgive my ignorance, but is the low wall action strong enough for the 38-55 ? All the 38-55 Model 1885 rifles I have seen were high walls.BRP
The 1st and the 3rd variation low-wall receiver frames are somewhat more robust than the 2nd variation low-wall (the most common of the three types). Winchester did manufacture a very small number of low-wall rifles in typical high-wall cartridges. Specifically, I have found and verified low-wall rifles manufactured for the 32-40, 38-55, 38-56 and 40-65 cartridges
Serial number 13034 is a 1st variation low-wall and it was factory chambered for the 40-65 WCF cartridge.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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