Which is the closest copy of the original John M. Browning designed Winchester Hi-Wall action? I'm considering buying a used .45-70 single shot, to shoot a little now and probably use for a rebarreling project in a year or so. I do love my NEF singles and with the thought of sending one out for a rebore, almost had a new Buff. Classic 45-70 (for future rebore to .50 cal.)fitted to one of my high ser.# actions while it was back at H&R for work. After doing the math, I realized I'd end up with close to $600- invested in what would still basically remain a $250- rifle! I can buy a new tapered Oct. or round barrel from Green Mountai and rent reamer - for $250- or less, fit it to a Ruger #1 or Hi-Wall action and end up with a rifle that will bring at least $750- should I ever want/need to sell, and decided that might make more sense.

We all recognize that Ruger #1 is one of strongest and best engineered singles, but I prefer hammer guns, with no "new" anti-litigation designed tang or sear or rebounding safeties! Which of the Browning B78s or 1885s, also Uberti and other import Hi-Wall copies comes closest to the original Win. action? I'm reading that some Brownings had a "sear" safety, are any tang safety or rebounding hammer (to avoid!)? I'm learning to live with the metric threads and am looking to buy a $750- or less used rifle, with an action that reasonably copies the original Win. Hi-Wall (either coil or flatspring), preferably blued modern steel opposed to case-hardened, with decent wood (at least refinishable w/preferably no checkering or high gloss).

I've been searching for info and would really appreciate a comparison of features and pros & cons of the various Win. copies. Must be a couple Hi-Wall gurus out there - at least this question finally isn't about 71/86 levers, got that settled thank you!!!

Hobbyguymaine/Old Windbag

I am definitely not a Hi-Wall guru, but I do own a Uberti Hi-Wall in .30-40 Krag with a 30" octagon barrel and my stepdad has an original Hi-Wall .22. First of all, the Uberti I have is case hardened, has a shiny finish and is checkered - very nice wood and finish job actually - it is one of the Special Sporting models with pistol grip and checkering. One thing I noticed different right away is that the hammer does not cock itself when the action is closed, like the original Winchester does. The Uberti does not have a safety. I was looking for parts to modify the trigger, so I called Ballard Rifles, since they make Hi Wall reproductions and claim they are completely interchangeable with the original versions and will sell parts for the originals. When I told them I had a Uberti they said virtually non of the parts interchange and I have since looked at drawings of both guns and the Uberti has some internal differences, but I can't remember exactly what they are. Externally you really can't see much difference, though. I must say that the Uberti is a well made and extremely accurate rifle and is one of my favorite guns. It is the most accurate open sight rifle I have ever shot. I installed a peep tang and globe front and can get .5" 5 shot groups @ 50, 1.25" @ 100yd and 3" @ 200yd off the bench. I don't know if that is really that great, but I am happy with it.