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December 25, 2024
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I’ve really been looking for another 1885 low wall in 22 rimfire (S, L or LR will work.). Not looking for a museum piece, something I can shoot regularly.
Other than GB and GI, and the auction sites – where else can someone find one of these?
also looking for Marlin Ballard, rolling block…..basically anything single shot 22 with a big heavy octagonal barrel.
Budget up to $2 for the right one.
thanks
April 15, 2005
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Are you looking for an original Winchester Single Shot rifle or a modern Mirku rifle?
Winchester manufactured a large number of .22 rim fire Single Shot rifles, but the big issue is that the vast majority of them have poor bores.
A $2 budget is not going to buy you even a single box of ammo 
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
August 14, 2021
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I love the 1885, but anything with a big heavy octagonal barrel shooting 22 rimfires is about as much fun as watching paint dry. Of course that’s just me and my worthless opinion.
November 7, 2015
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Brian-
I agree it’s a rather tough price point but want to suggest the Winder Musket. It doesn’t check the “big, heavy, octagon barrel” box but it’s affordable fun with a historic Winchester, especially if you stumble upon one chambered for 22 Long rifle. Finding one with a decent bore may be a challenge but a dedicated search will be successful.
I like the sights on the Winder Musket, serviceable sights on the standard Single Shots can get pretty pricey. IMHO the Winder is a lot of bang for the buck, even if the “bang” comes from a 22 Short cartridge.
Mike
April 15, 2005
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Steven Gabrielli said
I love the 1885, but anything with a big heavy octagonal barrel shooting 22 rimfires is about as much fun as watching paint dry. Of course that’s just me and my worthless opinion.
So, my Single Shot high-wall, 30-inch No. 3 full octagon barrel, single set trigger factory chambered for the 22 Long Rifle is merely just an old jack handle… it weighs in at 13 lbs 9 ounces.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 9, 2002
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Bert,
I better help you out with that old, “Jack Handle”, so you don’t hurt you’re back. 
As a friend! 
Anthony
June 1, 2023
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Bert H. said
Steven Gabrielli said
I love the 1885, but anything with a big heavy octagonal barrel shooting 22 rimfires is about as much fun as watching paint dry. Of course that’s just me and my worthless opinion.
So, my Single Shot high-wall, 30-inch No. 3 full octagon barrel, single set trigger factory chambered for the 22 Long Rifle is merely just an old jack handle… it weighs in at 13 lbs 9 ounces.
Bert
That’s a “Jack Handle” I would be happy to own. Even if I had to hire some younger stronger person to haul it around for me!
BRP
September 22, 2011
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Bert H. said
Steven Gabrielli said
I love the 1885, but anything with a big heavy octagonal barrel shooting 22 rimfires is about as much fun as watching paint dry. Of course that’s just me and my worthless opinion.
So, my Single Shot high-wall, 30-inch No. 3 full octagon barrel, single set trigger factory chambered for the 22 Long Rifle is merely just an old jack handle… it weighs in at 13 lbs 9 ounces.
Bert
Wow, that one is nice! I don’t think you have shown that one before. If so, please include the link to the thread in your reply. If not, can you create a thread—when and where you got it, a factory letter, if there is one for it, etc?
July 17, 2012
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Ease of transport is why you need the TAKEDOWN #3 jack handle!, or one with a mid-range sight so you can hit the jack hole…..
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
June 1, 2023
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Or I will just soldier on with my #1 Octagon Low Wall Special Sporting Rifle; wispy as a wand.
BRP
April 15, 2005
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When I need “ease of transport”, I grab one or the other of these rifles… 
Model 1904 
Single Shot low-wall 
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
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Steven Gabrielli said
I love the 1885, but anything with a big heavy octagonal barrel shooting 22 rimfires is about as much fun as watching paint dry. Of course that’s just me and my worthless opinion.
I recently got into Modern Win 22’s. One thing it has taught me is how bad my trigger pull can be. The heavier the rifle the better, as far as trigger pull goes.
August 14, 2021
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Bert H. said
Steven Gabrielli said
I love the 1885, but anything with a big heavy octagonal barrel shooting 22 rimfires is about as much fun as watching paint dry. Of course that’s just me and my worthless opinion.
So, my Single Shot high-wall, 30-inch No. 3 full octagon barrel, single set trigger factory chambered for the 22 Long Rifle is merely just an old jack handle… it weighs in at 13 lbs 9 ounces.
Bert
Precisely. Sorry to hurt your feelings, I forget squids are very sensitive.
April 15, 2005
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Steven Gabrielli said
Bert H. said
Steven Gabrielli said
I love the 1885, but anything with a big heavy octagonal barrel shooting 22 rimfires is about as much fun as watching paint dry. Of course that’s just me and my worthless opinion.
So, my Single Shot high-wall, 30-inch No. 3 full octagon barrel, single set trigger factory chambered for the 22 Long Rifle is merely just an old jack handle… it weighs in at 13 lbs 9 ounces.
Bert
Precisely. Sorry to hurt your feelings, I forget squids are very sensitive.
Yes indeed, and very recoil shy! Shooting this rifle is horrendous and ear shattering
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Bert H. said
Steven Gabrielli said
Bert H. said
Steven Gabrielli said
I love the 1885, but anything with a big heavy octagonal barrel shooting 22 rimfires is about as much fun as watching paint dry. Of course that’s just me and my worthless opinion.
So, my Single Shot high-wall, 30-inch No. 3 full octagon barrel, single set trigger factory chambered for the 22 Long Rifle is merely just an old jack handle… it weighs in at 13 lbs 9 ounces.
Bert
Precisely. Sorry to hurt your feelings, I forget squids are very sensitive.
Yes indeed, and very recoil shy! Shooting this rifle is horrendous and ear shattering
May need to hire a youngster to haul that cannon and your Lead Sled to the range when you summon up the courage to touch off a round or two.
Mike
December 25, 2024
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Hey guys – appreciate all the back and forth, especially the pics! I learn something new every visit it seems.
i appreciate the recommendation for the Winder musket, but they’re just not doing it for me. I get why they do for some though.
Speaking of the Winder – I understand some were High Walls milled down to Low Wall spec and I’ve seen them on GB. That’s why those have the “non-flat side” receiver, but what about this one just posted?
It’s obviously not a Winder – so why is this receiver different than my Low Wall (that’s just a flat side?). Is there a name for this type of receiver? Were they used when the larger #’d octagon barrels were used? Just curious.
December 25, 2024
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Bert H. said
Are you looking for an original Winchester Single Shot rifle or a modern Mirku rifle?Winchester manufactured a large number of .22 rim fire Single Shot rifles, but the big issue is that the vast majority of them have poor bores.
A $2 budget is not going to buy you even a single box of ammo
Bert
To clarify, yes, an original. I wouldn’t mind a new Miroku model someday, but I was disappointed to find out they aren’t quite the same. But I do think Miroku makes some of the nicest factory guns in the world today (minus niche makers.). I own a 73, 92, and will eventually get my Turnbull SA-22.
Ive relined barrels before, not afraid of a fixer upper as I doubt I’ll have the $ for a real collectible one. (Have a small garage shop with a lathe/mill and bluing tanks, but just a hobbyist.)
My bad – yeah, $2k…..maybe $2500 for the right one.
December 25, 2024
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Steven Gabrielli said
I love the 1885, but anything with a big heavy octagonal barrel shooting 22 rimfires is about as much fun as watching paint dry. Of course that’s just me and my worthless opinion.
Completely understand why you feel this way, and I totally understand. The issue I have is the cost of ammo to shoot. Or, in many cases, even being able to get ammo, as I don’t reload.
April 15, 2005
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azscooby said
Hey guys – appreciate all the back and forth, especially the pics! I learn something new every visit it seems.i appreciate the recommendation for the Winder musket, but they’re just not doing it for me. I get why they do for some though.
Speaking of the Winder – I understand some were High Walls milled down to Low Wall spec and I’ve seen them on GB. That’s why those have the “non-flat side” receiver, but what about this one just posted?
It’s obviously not a Winder – so why is this receiver different than my Low Wall (that’s just a flat side?). Is there a name for this type of receiver? Were they used when the larger #’d octagon barrels were used? Just curious.
The rifle in question is a 1st variation low-wall, and your low-wall is a 2nd variation. The Winder Muskets are the 3rd variation.
1st variation low-wall rifles are found in the early production serial number range (2200 – 18000).
2nd variation low-wall rifles are found in the 17000 – 121000 serial range.
3rd variation “low-wall” Winder Muskets are in the 119000 – 139000+ serial range.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
