Winchester Model 1885 Schuetzen

About the Winchester Model 1885 Schuetzen

The Winchester Model 1885 Schuetzen is a single-shot, falling-block target rifle built on the High Wall receiver of John Browning's Model 1885 design. Configured for the German- and Swiss-influenced sport of offhand Schuetzen match shooting, it features a heavy octagonal barrel, double-set triggers, an ornate spur finger lever, a checkered pistol-grip walnut stock with Swiss-style cheekpiece, a Helm Schuetzen buttplate, an adjustable palm rest, and precision vernier tang peep and wind-gauge front sights. It was most commonly chambered in the mild, accurate .32-40 and .38-55 Winchester black-powder target cartridges.

During the golden age of American Schuetzenfest match shooting, target rifle competition enjoyed a social status comparable to golf today, and Winchester's Model 1885 boldly challenged the established single-shot makers Sharps, Remington, Stevens and Ballard at their own game, with Major Ned H. Roberts calling it the strongest and best single-shot rifle ever produced.

Winchester Model 1885 Schuetzen specifications

The Schuetzen was the most elaborate target configuration of the Model 1885, offered on special order with premium walnut and full target accoutrements. Barrels were commonly 30 to 32 inches; heavier examples could exceed 5 kg.