Hello all. Recently, after 30+ years of searching I finally got hold of a High-wall in .25/35. It was very satisfying moment as I never really expected to find one out here in Oz.... even the '94s in this cartridge are uncommon. Bert Hartman has recorded 73 and suggests probably less than a hundred were made. Approximately 25% have a 26" barrel. This one is a very late production with serial number 114XXX. It is a plain Jane sporter with a 26" round nickel steel barrel. It's been out here for a long time and the condition was described as "fair" with a rough bore so I wasn't expecting much and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived. It was in pretty good shape for a working farm rifle and I reckon it has taken it's fair share of roos on some far flung sheep/cattle station. The stock was sound and the barrel even had a fair amount of original blue. 
After a good clean with soap & water the stock came up nicely and I hand rubbed it with a mix of linseed oil & turpentine. The barrel was rough but again a good clean & a session with some JB paste removed  decades of fouling. The end result was a bright bore with strong rifling.
Now .25/35 ammunition is very hard to find out here but luckily years ago I purchased a stock of cases & Hornady 117 gr RN projectiles when an old gunshop closed down on the off chance that I would snag a rifle one day. That certainly was a good move. After loading up some rounds & adding the Lyman 103, I headed off to the range for a test fire.
Boy this rifle is a honey to shoot and grouped well even with a worn bore. I'll be trying some cast loads next but I think I've found my new deer rifle. I should have no problem taking Fallow with it, they are about the same size as your Whitetail. I'm happy!
Pete

It's a good looking survivor with no modifications ... and in a great caliber.  Topped with a Lyman 103 tang sight too!

What a neat old 1885. I like it.  Dale.

Spud at one time in the past I owned two 25-35 rifles much as yours. But with a Shotgun, Pistol Grip stocks, and a #3 barrel one had wide spaced double set triggers. Shot them both a lot at 200 yds. as a Target rifle. Load was a stiff charge of 3031 behind a 100 gr. Sierra Spitzer plain base bullet. One had a slightly better bore than the other but they both shot for me the same. In the summer months with a little humidity they left a vapor trail all the way to the target. I ended up trading them to a shooting buddy, who I suspect knew how rare they were because I have never since that time seen another for sale. So enjoy, sounds like you have found a buddy. FITZ. OLD TUCK

Thanks guys for those comments. I think I was very lucky indeed to find one in original condition. Just a little bit of work needed on the lever to get it back to the original shape (good advice already on best way to tackle this over on the gunsmithing section). Will certainly give those spitzer projectiles a try too.
Pete

Spud, I think I have an original box of 25/35 win ammo I can give you. I will put it aside with your name on it and send you a pic as soon as I can find it. Great find with the rifle.

Steve