Winchester Model 1885 Special Sporting Rifle

About the Winchester Model 1885 Special Sporting Rifle

The Winchester Model 1885 Special Sporting Rifle is a single-shot, falling-block rifle designed by John Browning and produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Built on the strong High Wall receiver, the Special Sporting configuration featured a heavy octagon barrel, a checkered walnut pistol-grip stock, and a crescent buttplate, and was offered in a wide range of chamberings led by target and sporting cartridges such as the .38-55 Winchester, .32-40 Winchester, and .45-70 Government. Its exceptionally robust action made it a favorite for long-range target shooting and medium and large game hunting.

The Model 1885 was the first firearm design John Browning sold to Winchester, launching a partnership that would shape the company's lineup for decades. Its falling-block action was so strong that Winchester used the rifle itself as a proof gun to test-fire newly developed high-pressure cartridges.

Winchester Model 1885 Special Sporting Rifle specifications

The 1885 was offered in more calibers than any other Winchester rifle. The Special Sporting Rifle was one of many High Wall configurations; barrel length and weight varied by order, with 28-30 inch octagon barrels common on the sporting and target models.