Model 1885 marks an important development between Winchester and John M. Browning. The Single-Shot rifle was first, of many, Browning patents that Winchester would purchase and provide the company with opportunities to diversify its firearms line. Model 1885 was the first single-shot rifle built by Winchester. The company offered more calibers in this model than any other. A total of 45 centerfire calibers were offered from .22 Extra Long to .50-110 Express; as well as 14 rimfire calibers from .22 B.B. cap to .44 Flat Henry. Numerous barrel lengths, shapes and weights were available; as were stock configurations, sights and finishes. These rifles were also available in solid-frame and take-down styles. One could almost argue that each of the 139,725 Model 1885s built are unique. Model 1885 was manufactured between 1885 and 1920. Many collectors of Winchester Single-Shot specialize in nothing else. For this reason, it is difficult to provide pricing that will cover most of the Model 1885s that collectors will encounter. However, prices given here are for standard guns in standard configurations.

Model 1885 was offered in two basic frame types:
A. High Wall was the first frame-type produced, and is so called because frame covers breech and hammer except for the hammer spur.
B. Breech and hammer are visible on Low Wall frame, with its low sides. This frame-type was first introduced around 5000 serial number range.

Both High Wall and Low Wall were available in two type frame profiles; Thickside and Thinside. Thickside frame has flat sides that do not widen out to meet the stock. Thickside is more common on Low Wall rifle and rare on High Wall. Thinside frame has shallow milled sides that widen out to meet the stock. Thinside frames are common on High Wall rifle and rare on Low Wall.

1. Standard High Wall rifle was available with octagon or round barrel, with length determined by caliber. Buttstock and forearm were plain walnut, with crescent buttplate and blued frame.
2. Standard Low Wall rifle featured round or octagon barrel, with length determined by caliber. Plain walnut stock and forearm, with crescent buttplate.
3. High Wall musket most often had a 26" round barrel. Chambered for .22-caliber cartridge. Larger calibers were available as were different barrel lengths. Featured an almost full-length forearm fastened to barrel with a single barrel band and rounded buttplate.
4. Low Wall musket is most often referred to as Winder Musket, named after distinguished marksman, Colonel C.B. Winder. Features a Lyman receiver sight and made in .22-caliber.
5. High Wall Schuetzen rifle was designed for serious target shooting. Available with numerous extras, including 30" octagon barrel; medium weight without rear sight seat; fancy walnut checkered pistol-grip Schuetzen-style buttplate; checkered forearm; double-set triggers; spur finger lever; adjustable palm rest.
6. Low Wall carbine was available in 15", 16", 18" and 20" round barrels. Carbine featured a saddle ring on left side of the frame and a rounded buttplate.
7. High Wall shotgun in 20-gauge, with 26" round barrel, straight-grip stock and shotgun style rubber buttplate.

NOTE: Add 25 percent premium for case colored frames over guns with blued frames. Calibers .50-110 and .50-100 will bring a premium depending on style and configuration.

CALIBER NOTE: As stated above, it is difficult to provide pricing on specific rifles, especially calibers, because of the wide range of variables. However, collectors may find it useful to know the most common rimfire calibers were .22 Short, .22 WCF and .22 Long in that order, with .22 Long Rifle a distant fourth. Most common centerfire calibers were .32 WCF and .32-40. Other popular centerfire calibers were .38-55, .25-20, .44 WCF, .32 Long WCF and .45-70. There were a number of chamberings that are extremely rare (one of each built). It is strongly recommended that research is done prior to a sale. Premium for antique specimens made prior to 1899 with serial numbers lower than approximately 84701.