Looking for a high wall

[Rusty]

Jr. and I have been discussing a fitting birthday present for a young man that is turning 21 next Sept. We have just about settled on a High Wall in .45-70. The question is who makes the best one out there? After searching the pages the best looking solution would be a "carbine" from Pedersoli with a 28" barrel and the shotgun style butt plate.
It comes with buckhorn sights which Jr. has already said that he would fit it with a climbin Lyman to make it his.

Does anyone know if there's a better maker out there or a reason to stay away from Pedersoli?

[Kansas Ed]

Uberti/Cimmaron makes a nice rifle in general, but the trigger SUCKS...I mean, it took me a couple hours and a lot of stone work to get a half decent trigger on my LoWall. Though I love the rifle I ended up with (including a total sight change, as the sights SUCKED too) If I were to do it again and wanted the standard fare of 45-70 etc, I would look for a different maker to see if the quality of the action was any better. Someone now is making a baby Sharps that looks interesting....

Ed

BTW: Look at the Marbles Windage adjustable Tang sight....I think theyre better than the Lyman.

[Modoc ED]

Pedersoli makes some quality rifles. Over the years, shooters in various shooting sports have used Pedersoli rifles to win national championships and various matches. I don't have them handy but if you look at the Cabela's Catalogs from a couple years ago, the catalogs show people that have won shoots/matches using Pedersoli rifles.

Whether you're a Mike Venturino fan or not, it is worth noting the Venturino uses a Pedersoli rifle for some of his black powder matches and most know that Venturino is a die-fast fan of all things black powder and black powder matches.

[marlinman93]

Who makes the best? I'd say either Ballard or Meacham, but both are extremely high priced, and you could buy a nice original Winchester 1885 for what they cost. If you're talking good shooters, and pretty nice guns, then I'd go with a Pedersoli. They have super barrels, and pretty decent fit and finish, with a affordable price tag.

[Rusty]

Thanks Marlinman, the barrel was my main concern figuring that it is the heart of the rifle. Of course it's always possible to get a lemon in anything from time to time.

[Michael Z.]

C. Sharps out of Big Timber, Montana also offers several really nice high wall rifles. They also have really nice price tags that comes with them. I've not personally handled any of their rifles, but they get really good reviews from those who own them.
I picked up a lightly used Pedersoli Sharps sporting standard a month or so ago. Fit and finish are really nice. There's a good bit of info on the web about the Pedersoli's quality, a high majority of it very positive. Unfortunately, I also bought a .22 conversion for the Sharps from Dave Crossno and tried it out before firing any .45-70 rounds out of my rifle. I've had so much fun with the .22, I've yet to try the .45-70, so I can't comment on true performance of my barrel yet. I've really got to change that!

Michael Z.
Dahlonega, GA

[TX Gun Runner]

I have this one going up 4 sale in you are interested . It with come with RCBS custom loading dies , custom bullet mold and brass . No sights or scope .

[Rusty]

Michael that's good to know as well. I remember now in the back of my mind hearing about a .22 conversion for those .45-70's. That sounds like a hoot! I assume it will work in any .45-70 single shot rifle?

I'm really partial to those H&R Buff Classics now that I think about that .22 conversion unit it makes that even more appealing. Imagine shooting that in our monthly bench rest matches.

[Michael Z.]

Rusty,
The .22 conversion is a barrel liner and chamber adapter that is about 24 inches long. It should work in most any breach loading action that you have a straight shot into the chamber. The barrel liner can't flex much at all without danger of crimping. I've been shooting a mix of CB caps and various brands of target grade LR's and getting pretty decent groups at 25 yards (the length of my home "range"). I'm still playing with windage adjustment some, though. Get it dialed in and I may have my new squirrel rifle.

Michael Z.
Dahlonega, GA

[HEAD0001]

The 1885 is my all time favorite rifle. I have High Wall's and now a new(to me) Low Wall. I looked at the Pedersoli and all the new High Wall's. And I can not justify the prices for the new ones. For some reason the new rifles have taken ridiculous price increases.

Personally I would look for a good condition used one in a Browning or a Winchester. If you take your time they are out there. I just bought a like new Low Wall Brownig for $825. It took me a few months to find it. But I took my time, and I am very pleased with the results. Tom.

[marlinman93]

Used Hi Walls can be found at reasonable rates, and even original Win 1885's! I purchased this restored 1885 (built originally in 1889) last weekend at our local gun show. Price was $1100, and a modern repro will cost that or more! The scope wasn't on it, but was purchased separately for $300. A 20x Fecker.

[airedaleman]

Vall, that Winchester is still the cat's ankles, and I still have dies, components... and dreams (mostly of the pipe variety).

[Kansas Ed]

MM93...that is a very sweet HiWall. Once again you've screwed up my keyboard. And that scope has major cool factor. What caliber?

Ed

[marlinman93]

Hi Ed,
The caliber is .30-30 Win! The scope is on my Win. 52B heavy target now, and the 10x Fecker that was on it sits on the WWinnie now! Looks better with the 1 1/8" objecive vs. this big 1 5/8" on the 20x.

[win92]

I have a Uberti 45-70 with the double set triggers and they are really nice!!. Winchester has brought back the BPCR in 45-70 as well though it s retail for 1800. The browning 1885s are well made if you can find a used one. Pedrosoli's also now have a highwall and I think they are a composite of Uberti frame castings and Pedrosoli barrells and wood.
Good luck!!