Browning model 1885, love it and want another

[Tacitus7]

I just got back from Montana where I go every two years or so to prairie dog hunt. Once again I was out there with my Browning 1885 22-250 which I purchased back in 1999 from Browning just after they stopped making them...I believe in 1998.

I love it. My best shot was when I reached out over 250 yards and got one...prone position using a bipod. I forgot how much I appreciated this rifle.

I think I would like to get my hands on the same model with the 30-06 caliber, or even the Winchester version. Are they comparable? Is there another single shot 30-06 that I should consider? Does anybody know how I could get my hands on one? Thanks.

 

[2DREZQ]

The Winnie's that I have held had great wood, but the finish was more of matte. I have an 1885 in .270 and I almost cannot believe the accuracy. I like the glossy stock better, and it looks good with a glossy Leupold scope.

Do you like the straight stock better than the semi-pistol grip on the B78's?

One thing: WHY did the decide to put the s/n on the side of the receiver instead of the bottom?

 

[Tacitus7]

I don't know if I understand your questions. What is a B78? And what is the S/N?

 

[2DREZQ]

s/n; serial no. on the previous version of the 1885, which was called the B78, the serial number was on the bottom of the receiver out of sight. also, the buttstock had a graceful semi-pistol grip shape. do a search for images. A couple of members of my family collect B78's.

I like the High-wall design of falling-block actions better than the low-wall. Browning's 1885 in .223 is low wall, so I want the Winchester, which is high-wall.

 

[Gordon]

theres my B-78 .22-250 in there

 

[RainDodger]

I have a B-78 octagonal in .22-250. Very nice rifle. A friend has a B-78 in .30-'06 as I recall. Equally nice. Personally, I prefer the pistol grip stock of the B-78 to the straight stock of the 1885. Just a personal thing.

 

[Tacitus7]

Drezq,

The serial number is on the side of the receiver. It is 01023NP247. Does this mean it is a B78 model? Also, the stock does not have a cheek pad and I do believe it is a straight stock. I really don't know the difference between a semi pistol grip and a straight stock. I'm no gun expert, but I can shoot halfway decent...at least the prairie dogs think so:>)

p.s. Yes, I wish they would have put the serial number on the bottom.

 

[Tacitus7]

RainDodger,
Is the 30-06 1885 that your friend has a heavy gun? I would love to actually hold one of them. If it is as heavy as my 22-250 1885, I don't think I will go in that direction but go with a Winchester model 70. I'm wondering if the 30-06 in essence was made with a heavy bull barrell too. Thanks.

 

[eastbank]

my low wall browning 1885 in remington .260 with leupold vex 3x9 EFR, is one of my favorite light carry rifles for deer. under 1.5 inch three shot groups at 100yds with factory 140gr bullets. whats not to like. eastbank.

 

[SwampWolf]

I have a Browning 1885 Low Wall chambered in .223 that is a real tack driver. Mine has a Burris 3x9 Compact scope mounted on it and it (along with a Browning Micro Medallion A-Bolt, with a Burris 2x7 mounted on it and chambered in .22 Hornet) is one of my favorite "walk-around" chuck rifles.

 

[2DREZQ]

1885 models have the s/n on the side and a straight buttstock, and a gold trigger. B78's have the s/n on the bottom of the receiver, usually no gold trigger (IIRC) and the stock behind the lever curves gently downward instead of going straight back to the recoil pad. I like that look a little better, except when I park my 1885 next to my Browning BLR, which has the straight buttstock. I think the curved lever and buttstock doesn't look as good on a lever action.

Gordon: nice. Would you mind ID'ing the bottom rifle and the scopes?

 

[browningguy]

I have the Browning 1885 High Wall in 45-70, the traditional hunter model with curved butt plate and tang sight. I think they also made those in 30-06 but without the tang sight option.

 

[wild willy]

eastbank I'am sure you know you have a much desired rifle in that .260.I could kick myself for not buying one cheap when they discontinued them.I didn't have a .260 then but it has since become one of my favorite calibers

 

[eastbank]

wild willy, i also have a rem pump 7600 enhanced reciever(bear and deer on the sides) and a rem xp-100R in .260. i had a rem 7 SS in .260,but sold it to a friend for his young son. for me it,s a toss up between the .260 and the 7-08,i realy like them both. eastbank.