Description
Let me paint you a picture. You’re walking the edge of a Missouri woodlot at last light, the air crisp. A fox squirrel chatters on a hickory limb at 60 yards. You need a rifle that’s steady, precise, and carries a bit of history in its lines. That’s the exact scenario where the Winchester 1885 Low Wall Hunter, 22 Win Mag 24″ Barrel, Walnut Stock shines. It’s not your grandpa’s dusty wall-hanger—it’s a modern-built, single-shot hunting rifle that demands and rewards deliberate marksmanship.
Here’s the thing—this rifle is a direct answer for the hunter who values the process as much as the result. I’ve put a few boxes of .22 WMR through one, and the experience is pure concentration. Every shot counts. There’s no follow-up magazine dump, just you, the trigger, and the satisfying clunk of the falling block action. The fit and finish are excellent, and it’s drop-in ready for the range or field straight from the box. No gunsmithing required to start making memories with it. At $1216.63, it sits in a niche above utilitarian rimfires, paying for craftsmanship and a timeless design.
The heart of this rifle is its classic Browning-designed falling block action. It’s incredibly strong and locks up like a vault, which is why modern versions like this can safely handle modern .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire pressures. The 24-inch barrel provides a long sight radius for the included adjustable rear sight and gives that .22 WMR round a proper runway to stretch its legs. The walnut stock is where this ‘Hunter’ model earns its name. It’s a classic American-style stock with a straight grip and a modest cheekpiece, finished in a satin oil that feels fantastic in the hand. The checkering is clean and provides a positive grip. It’s a honest working stock, not a showpiece, and I prefer it that way.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | 1885 Low Wall Hunter |
| Caliber | .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 40.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.75 lbs |
| Action | Single Shot, Falling Block |
| Sights | Adjustable Rear, Blade Front |
| Stock | American Walnut |
Pros: The trigger is typically excellent on these Miroku-made actions—crisp and predictable. The single-shot design teaches fundamental discipline and makes every hunt more intentional. The .22 WMR is a legit small game and varmint cartridge out to 125 yards with the right loads. The rifle’s classic aesthetics are simply unbeatable. Cons: It’s a single shot, so if you need rapid follow-ups, look elsewhere. The .22 WMR ammo, while available, isn’t as ubiquitous or cheap as .22 LR. The rifle’s overall length, thanks to that 24″ barrel, can feel a bit long in dense brush.
So who is this rifle for? It’s for the traditionalist who still wants modern reliability. It’s for the squirrel hunter who views the hunt as a precision exercise. It’s for the shooter who wants one beautiful, functional rifle to pass down. It’s also a fantastic platform for a compact optic like a Leupold FX-II 4x28mm or similar scout scope, maintaining its sleek lines. This isn’t a plinker; it’s a purpose-built hunting tool with soul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this rifle handle .22 Long Rifle ammunition?
A: No, it cannot. This rifle is chambered specifically for the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). The .22 WMR is a longer, more powerful cartridge, and firing .22 LR in this chamber is unsafe and will cause malfunctions.
Q: Is it drilled and tapped for a scope mount?
A: Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped, making it easy to mount a traditional scope base. Many shooters opt for a classic-style scope in low mounts to preserve the rifle’s handling and appearance.
Q: What’s the main difference between the Low Wall and High Wall 1885?
A: The original design difference was for cartridge strength. The Low Wall, like this one, was for lower-pressure cartridges (though modern steel handles .22 WMR fine), and has a lower profile receiver sidewall. The High Wall has a taller, fully enclosed receiver for stronger cartridges. Today, the Low Wall is often preferred for its sleeker look with smaller calibers.
If the idea of a single, well-placed shot with a rifle that carries a century of heritage appeals to you, this Winchester 1885 Low Wall Hunter deserves a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See the full details on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.