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About that M 85 Winchester barrel/scope

JohnnyBGood
The topic has been locked, so this in reference to the Winchester High Wall with the aftermarket scope bases. I would advise that before you take the advise to change the barrel, be aware that the mounting cuts appear to be for H. M. Pope mounts. This could add to the value. Most unfortunately the mounts are missing as they are most rare. Trying to find a set will be rough, but high quality reproduction Pope mounts might be available. A nice, original telescope will be no problem to find.

Keep in mind that our world does not revolve around Winchester collectors. Those who collect antique single shot rifles, schetzen rifles, and high grade target rifles will pay extra for a correct, period telescope even though it may not be "factory" installed on the rifle.

And while we're on the subject of Harry M. Pope, check to see if the barrel has been rebored by him. It will have his eight-groove left hand twist rifling.

John
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  • Bert H.
    Hello John,

    If the barrel was reworked or modified by Harry Pope, it would be clearly marked as such... I have examined at least a dozen Pope made or modified barrels on Model 1885 high-walls, and every single one of them was clearly marked.

    The only way the modifications made to the barrel would add any value what-so-ever is if the H.M. Pope mounts were still on the barrel, but they are not, so instead, there is a very steep deduction in the value of this rifle.

    Yes, there are a number of collectors who will pay very good money for a high-grade high-wall target rifle that has an old (period) installed telescope (e.g. Malcolm, Stevens, etc.), and I am one of them. However, and in this case, there is not one on the rifle and the barrel has been significantly altered. Finding the correct mounts will be extremely difficult and quite costly, as well as the cost of an old period telescope. From a practible standpoint, it would be much easier (and faster) to simply rebarrel it. The original barrel should be retained with the rifle.
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