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Hi Wall value?

big bore
Hello gentlemen, I'm new here. I've got a Winchester Hi Wall #27xxx. #3, 29" oct. barrel, originally chambered in 32-40 but was rebored to 45-120. Original bluing and finish on stock, very nice shape.
I've shot it alot and it shoots very well but I'm a little concerned about shooting the heavy smokeless loads in it. I'd like to get a New Browning 1885 in 45-70 and drop a chamber reamer in it and take it to 45-120.
I've shot a lot of jacketed 300grn hp with 90grns of IMR4064 in it along with a custom Hock 604grn paper patch using 12grns of 4759 & 108 grns of FF Black.
Anyway, I know a guy that wants to trade me out of it, Anyone have an idea of what my Hi Wall is worth? Thanks
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • joel_black
    If the frame was originally blued, I wouldn't worry about heavy loads.
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  • big bore
    I'm not so much worried about the frame. It's the 117 year old barrel steel. Also I like to shoot jacketed bullets quite a bit. I don't dare shoot some of the loads that this cartridge is capable of, as in 50,000 cup.
    I could rebarrel but the action is still 117 years old.
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  • Bert H.
    Hello big bore,

    With a serial number in the 27,000 range, it was manufactured in August - October of 1888. The barrel steel used at that time will not hold up very long with continued use of jacketed bullets... even at reduced presssures/velocities. The receiver/frame was originally case color hardened (and Joel should have known that from the serial number range you posted[:D]). The frames on all those old original high-walls are quite strong, but 50,000 cup would be pushing it mighty hard. The high-wall frames made after about 1902 will handle just about anything you want to throw at them[^].

    As for the value, even though it is no longer original, it is still worth about $1000 - $1200. Are you sure that the barrel is only 29-inches long? The original length was 30-inches (as measured to the breech opening).

    Finally, would you please contact me at Win1885@msn.com. I would like to put your high-wall in my statistical data base. Thanks.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • big bore
    Bert; Thanks for the info, I e-mailed you with the info on my rifle. If it doesn't get to you let me know. Dave
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  • joel_black
    Bert,
    The truth is that I never use jacketed bullets in any of my single shots, not even in my 30/40 Hi Wall.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by joel_black
    Bert,
    The truth is that I never use jacketed bullets in any of my single shots, not even in my 30/40 Hi Wall.


    Hello Joel,

    I have two high-walls with nickel steel barrels... a .405 WCF manufactured in 1914, and a very late made(1918) 32 WCF, and I shoot jacketed bulltes in both. Any of the Model 1885s with a nickel steel barrel were specifically made for jacketed bullets. The key to their longevity, is to shoot nothing but factory pressure level loads.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • joel_black
    Bert,
    My 30/40 is also nickel steel, but it shoots so well with cast bullet loads that I can't see any reason to switch to jacketed bullets.
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