Meacham Tool & Hardware Inc.

What is a Highwall ?

Winchester Repeating Arms Company referred to their single shot rifles as either the "Model ‘85" or as "The Single Shot". The names "Highwall" and "Low-wall" was never used by Wincheaster but shooters and writers of the period adopted the names to differentiate the two Winchester action styles. The names became synonymous with the Model ‘85. The "Highwall" has receiver sides that extend up to the height of the top of the barrel shank while the "Low-wall’s" receiver sides are milled away to allow easier access to the chamber for easier loading. Because the breech block is not as well supported, the "Low-wall" is not as strong as the "Highwall". It was chambered for cartridges that are commonly used in revolvers. The "Highwall", on the other hand, is extremely strong. Legend has it that the Dupont Powder Company used thick side "Highwall" actions for testing up to WW II. Winchester chambered the "Highwall" in nearly everything from the 22 Short to 30-06 and from 20 ga. shotgun to .50-140 Sharps.

Because of there nearly universal acceptance among single shot shooters and collectors, Meacham Tool & Hardware Co. Inc. has adopted the names Highwall and Low-wall for the reproduction that we produce.

How closely have we followed the Winchester design?

We have adopted the Neidner "gas proof" firing pin design and Neidner’s skeletonized hammer and link. We have added two fixtureing holes to the front face of the receiver. Other than these changes our parts can be fitted to Winchester coil spring actions.

What is a "set trigger"?

Set triggers allow a lighter trigger pull to be used safely. Without the set trigger, the sear must be moved out of engagement with the hammer under full spring pressure. A set trigger uses an additional sear and "hammer " to knock the main sear out of engagement. Since this additional ‘hammer" or "knockoff as it is more commonly called, can be under much less spring pressure, there is much less friction between it and it’s sear . With less friction to overcome the, the trigger pull becomes much lighter. Set triggers were common in muzzle loading target rifles and early single shot rifles.

We offer two types of set triggers.

The single set trigger is set by pushing the trigger foreword to set it and then touching the front of the trigger to fire the rifle. The rifle may be easily and safely fired without setting the trigger. The single set trigger is fine for the hunter who wants a finer trigger pull for the occasional long shot or for occasional target match use. The parts are more highly stressed and do not hold adjustment as well as the double set trigger.

The double set trigger has what looks like two triggers. The firing trigger is where one would expect a rifle’s trigger to be, but there is an additional setting trigger directly behind the firing trigger. The trigger is set by pulling the rear trigger. Only a light touch on the front trigger will then fire the rifle. As with the single set trigger, the front trigger can be used to fire the rifle although the pull well be rather difficult and this method of firing the rifle is not recommended. The double set trigger is far superior for target work. With a little practice, it is very acceptable for field use. Just be careful to not set the triggers until you are looking though the sights at your target.

What is a stock through bolt and why would I want one?

A stock through bolt is a threaded rod that is fastened to the receiver and extends back through the butt stock. By removing the butt plate, the though bolt can be tightened. this draws the receiver firmly onto the but stock. There are many ways to make stock through bolts. The method we have chosen is undetectable without disassembling the rifle.

Accuracy from any rifle depends on the bullet leaving the rifle barrel along the same line every shot. Physicists tell us, and experience has shown, that rifles vibrate violently as the bullet accelerates down the barrel . If the bullet is to fly along the same path every time, the rifle and all of it’s parts must vibrate exactly the same every time. A bolt action rifle, with its one piece stock acting as platform between the shooters shoulder and the front rest or the shooters hand is the ideal. Any rifle with a two piece stock has an two joints in the bridge between the front and rear supports, be they human or filed with sand. If these joints flex between shots the vibration of the metal parts of the rifle will be dampened to a different degree. A correctly tensioned through bolt not only reinforces the joint between the receiver and butt stock but allows compensation for wear that will maintain accuracy for decades.

For more information on the safe operation and care of our rifles request a copy of our Safety and Operating Manual or DOWN LOAD IT HERE.