Winchester 1885 Low Wall Hunter .22 WMR 24-inch Octagon
About this product
What is the Winchester 1885 Low Wall Hunter .22 WMR 24-inch Octagon? It's a single-shot falling block rifle chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire with a 24-inch octagonal barrel and traditional open sights, designed for precision shooting and hunting small game. This rifle combines historical Browning-designed mechanics with modern manufacturing tolerances, offering a deliberate shooting experience that demands proper form and follow-through. Unlike modern repeaters, this platform forces the shooter to make each shot count through its single-shot operation and crisp trigger break.
What is the Winchester 1885 Low Wall Hunter used for?
This rifle is designed for precision small game hunting and target shooting at ranges up to 150 yards. The .22 WMR cartridge delivers 240 foot-pounds of muzzle energy with 40-grain bullets, making it effective for varmints and small predators, while the 7.5-pound weight provides stability for offhand shooting. The semi-buckhorn rear sight and gold bead front sight allow for quick acquisition in field conditions without optics dependency.
How does the Winchester 1885 Low Wall Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Winchester 1885 is superior for traditional shooting purists who value single-shot discipline, while the Stevens 334 .243 Win offers higher power and repeater functionality. The Stevens 334 delivers 2,000 foot-pounds of energy with .308 Winchester ammunition and holds 4+1 rounds, making it better for larger game and rapid follow-up shots. However, the Winchester's octagonal barrel and walnut stock provide superior aesthetics and historical authenticity for collectors and traditionalists.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.5 pounds exactly and measures 40 inches in overall length with a 24-inch barrel. The octagonal barrel profile measures 1.125 inches across flats at the breech, tapering to 0.875 inches at the muzzle, contributing to its forward weight balance. The walnut stock has a 13.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb, fitting most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for tactical shooters or those needing rapid follow-up shots, as the single-shot action requires 3-4 seconds per reload cycle. The .22 WMR chambering limits effective range to 150 yards maximum, making it unsuitable for deer or larger game hunting. Shooters preferring synthetic stocks or modern optics mounting systems should consider the Stevens 334 instead.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 5-round box of .22 WMR ammunition for initial function testing and a factory test target showing 1.25-inch groups at 50 yards. Included documentation covers the adjustable trigger mechanism, sight adjustments, and proper falling block operation procedures. No cleaning kit or additional accessories are provided beyond the rifle itself and basic paperwork.
Is the Winchester 1885 Low Wall Hunter worth it at $1434.99?
At $1434.99, this rifle justifies its price for collectors and traditional shooting enthusiasts who appreciate historical design and craftsmanship. The satin walnut stock and polished blue finish represent approximately 40 hours of hand fitting and finishing labor, while the button-rifled barrel ensures consistent 1.5 MOA accuracy with quality ammunition. For hunters needing practical functionality over aesthetics, the Stevens 555 Sporting provides better value at less than half the price.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 7.5-pound weight provides rock-steady offhand shooting stability
- 24-inch octagonal barrel delivers 1.5 MOA accuracy with match ammunition
- Adjustable trigger breaks cleanly at 3.5 pounds with zero creep
- Satin walnut stock features 18 lines-per-inch checkering for positive grip
Trade-offs
- Single-shot action requires 4-second reload time—no rapid follow-up capability
- .22 WMR ammunition costs $0.35 per round versus $0.08 for .22 LR
- No optics included—add $150-$400 for quality rimfire scope and mounts
- Blued finish shows wear after 500 rounds without frequent maintenance
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 048702003561 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 524100104 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 50.2500 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.65 |
| sights | Gold Bead Front/Buckhorn Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with suppressor attachments?
- No, the 24-inch octagonal barrel lacks threading for suppressor mounting and cannot be easily modified due to its tapered profile. The front sight base is integral to the barrel, preventing aftermarket threading without complete sight removal and reinstallation. For suppressed shooting, consider a threaded .22 WMR platform like the Ruger American Rimfire.
- Does it fit standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Absolutely not—this rifle is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, which uses a larger case diameter than .22 Long Rifle. Attempting to fire .22 LR could cause dangerous cartridge ruptures and barrel obstructions. Always verify ammunition compatibility using the chamber stamp behind the breech block.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearms shipping to Montana requires 3-5 business days for processing plus 2-day air service via FedEx Priority Overnight. All shipments include adult signature confirmation and require FFL transfer upon arrival. We ship within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment and FFL documentation.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms returns are restricted to manufacturer defects only, per ATF regulations and Ironclad Armory policy. We allow 30-day returns for functional issues verified by our armorers, but not for fit or personal preference. All returns require prior authorization and original packaging.
- Does this work with Weaver scope bases?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for #6-48 scope mounts, accepting standard Weaver-style bases for rimfire scopes. The 24-inch barrel provides 7.5 inches of eye relief flexibility for scopes up to 12 ounces in weight. Heavier optics may require additional support rings due to the single-shot action's recoil impulse.