Browning Model 1885 BPCR Like Winchester High Wall .45-70 Gov’t Rifle, 1997
Sold For: $2215
LSB#: 200831DV01
Make: Browning, Made by Miroku of Japan
Model: 1885 BPCR
Serial Number: 08257NR287
Year of Manufacture: 1997 (MN date code)
Caliber: .45-70 Gov’t
Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”, the right shoulder is marked “BROWNING MODEL 1885 CALIBER 45-70 GOV’T / RECOMMENDED FOR BLACK POWDER”. The right of the receiver is marked with the serial number at the bottom-rear. The trigger guard has a gold-filled Browning Buck Mark logo. The top of the tang sight’s base is marked “BROWNING”, the front face of the tang sight is marked “USA”.
Barrel Length: 30″ Half-Round, Half-Octagonal
Sights / Optics: There is a globe-style front sight with spirit level on the breech-end face. The sight accepts replaceable inserts, only the installed post reticle is included. There are pairs of drilled, tapped and filled holes on the top of the barrel toward the rear and the top of the chamber ring for mounting sights/optics (none installed or included). The top tang is drilled and tapped with a folding Vernier-style peep sight, adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with schnabel forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb with cheekpiece, and checkered case-color steel buttplate. The stocks have only a few scattered minor nicks and scuffs. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has very minor wear at the heel and toe with strong case-color and sharp checkering. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case-Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only minor handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action works correctly. The hammer has a safety notch. The trigger breaks crisply and the lever locks-up solidly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed sights as photographed.
Our Assessment: When they were first manufactured, the John Browning designed Winchester Model 1885 rifles were deemed stronger than the prior Sharps rifles, and the different sight and trigger options available made them an instant hit with hunters and target shooters alike. The Model 1885 rifles were targeted at competitors in “Match Shooting”, a sport which was extremely popular from about 1871 to 1917. The Winchester rifles challenged the Sharps, Remington, Maynard and Ballard rifles, and quickly became known for their reliability and accuracy. Major Ned Roberts, inventor of the .257 Roberts cartridge, described the Model 1885 as “the most reliable, strongest and altogether best single shot rifle ever produced”. This is a fairly recent production Browning 1885 BPCR Target rifle chambered for .45-70 Gov’t. As the name indicates, it would make a fine rifle for BPCR competition. It is a beautiful rifle with a 30″ half-round, half-octagon barrel, beautiful walnut stocks, and has been equipped with a fine sight setup, having a globe sight with spirit level, fully adjustable tang sight and provision for mounting a scope. Whether you’re looking to add to your Browning or Winchester collection or to get a rifle for BPCR matches, this will make a fine gun for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!