You're becoming predictable Mike, lol!!

         Joe.

Hey Joe. to predictable I guess. I picked up a nice early Hi Wall with really nice wood and totally untouched. Here is a picture of the crud at the point where the barrel joins the receiver.
Mike

Mike,

I would hazard a guess based on what I have seen that 4 out of 5 high wall barrels are full octagon, with a few half round and even fewer round.  The only significant number of half rounds I have seen have been .38-55 #3 weight.  I'd hazard a guess that the #3 .38-55 and .32-40 half round rifles with 28 inch barrels were an attempt to make a lighter weight, easy to carry, hunting rifle out of what was predominately seen by the masses as a target rifle.  Occasionally someone would order one with the barrel lightened to carry afield.  Those would usually be in lighter recoiling, but effective field calibers.  Lighter calibers would be on a low wall with #2 barrel, and heavy recoilers and target rifles would be more desirable with heavier #3 and #4 barrels.

Just my thoughts, I'd be interested in what others have observed.

dave