Taylors & Company 1885 High Wall .38-55 Win 30″ Single Shot Rifle

The Taylors & Company 1885 High Wall .38-55 Win 30″ Single Shot Rifle is a modern reproduction of John Browning’s original falling-block design, built for deliberate, accurate shooting at known distances. It mates a broached, high-carbon steel octagon barrel in matte blued finish with a color case-hardened receiver and a single-set trigger. The fixed pistol-grip walnut stock carries a cheek piece and a large butt plate; the tang is drilled and tapped for a tang sight. This rifle is purpose-built for traditional long-range target work and classic hunting scenarios where single-shot precision and historical styling are valued.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Taylors & Company
Model	1885 High Wall
Material	High-carbon steel barrel, color case-hardened receiver, walnut stock
Compatibility	.38-55 Winchester cartridge
Finish	Matte blued barrel, color case-hardened receiver
Weight	Approx. 9.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Broached High-Carbon Steel Octagon Barrel – The 30″ barrel is broached from high-carbon steel, delivering consistent bore dimensions and tight tolerances. Why it matters: Broaching eliminates tooling marks that cause velocity variations, so you hold tighter vertical spreads at 200+ yards.
• Color Case-Hardened Receiver with Single-Set Trigger – The receiver gets a traditional color case-hardening treatment, and the single-set trigger lets you adjust let-off weight from a standard pull down to a crisp 2 lbs. Why it matters: A light, predictable trigger break is the difference between a clean shot and a pulled shot on steel at distance.
• Fixed Pistol-Grip Walnut Stock with Cheek Piece – The walnut stock is cut with a pistol grip and a raised cheek piece, giving you a repeatable cheek weld. Why it matters: Consistent head position means consistent eye alignment with your tang sight—critical for sub-MOA groups at 300 meters.
• Tang Drilled and Tapped for Tang Sight – The tang comes pre-drilled and tapped, ready to accept a traditional tang-mounted rear aperture sight. Why it matters: A tang sight increases sight radius and reduces parallax error compared to a buckhorn, translating to tighter shot groups on paper and steel.

Who It’s For

This rifle is for the shooter who values deliberate, single-shot precision over magazine capacity. It suits traditional long-range target shooters competing in blackpowder cartridge silhouette or Schuetzen matches, as well as hunters who want a classic lever-action alternative for whitetail or black bear at moderate ranges. If you appreciate the craftsmanship of a falling-block action and the historical lineage of the 1885 High Wall, this rifle fits your bench.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: The single-set trigger gives you a consistent 2-lb break after setting, which improves group consistency at distance.
• Pro: The 30″ barrel length maximizes .38-55 velocity and reduces muzzle blast, making it pleasant to shoot all day.
• Con: The rifle is heavy at ~9.5 lbs, which can be fatiguing for off-hand shooting or long stalks. It’s best used from a bench or rest.

Comparison: Taylors 1885 High Wall vs. Zev Technologies OZ9 vs. Geissele Super Duty

Feature	Taylors & Company 1885 High Wall	Zev Technologies OZ9	Geissele Super Duty
Action Type	Single-shot falling block	Striker-fired semi-auto	Gas-operated semi-auto
Barrel Length	30″ octagon	4.5″ – 5.4″	14.5″ – 16″
Trigger	Single-set (adjustable)	Flat-face, 4.5 lbs	Geissele SSA, 4.5 lbs
Intended Use	Traditional long-range target, hunting	Competition, concealed carry	Duty, tactical use
Weight	~9.5 lbs	~24 oz	~6.5 lbs

FAQ

What is the twist rate of the barrel?

Per Taylors & Company specs, the .38-55 Win 30″ barrel has a 1:18″ twist rate, optimized for traditional lead bullets in the 200–300 grain range.

Can I mount a scope on this rifle?

The receiver is not drilled and tapped for a scope base, but the tang is drilled and tapped for a tang sight. You can also use a barrel-mounted scope mount, but it alters the classic silhouette. Most shooters pair it with a tang sight for authenticity.

Is the .38-55 Winchester a good cartridge for hunting?

Yes—the .38-55 Win pushes a 250-grain bullet at ~1,500 fps, delivering adequate energy for whitetail and black bear inside 150 yards. The 30″ barrel helps retain velocity for cleaner kills.

Does the single-set trigger require special training to use?

No—you simply push the trigger forward until it clicks, then a light pull (approx. 2 lbs) fires the shot. Practice a few dry fires to build muscle memory, and you’ll be consistent in no time.

Ready to Add This to Your Collection?

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

Browse more single-shot rifles in our Single Shot Rifles category. Also check out Traditional Rifles and Long Range Rifles for similar platforms.

Last updated: April 2026