Browning Model 1885 BPCR Like Winchester .45-70 Govt Single Shot Rifle 1997
SOLD FOR: $2253
LSB#: 210914BW17
Make: Miroku in Japan for Browning
Model: 1885 BPCR (Black Powder Cartridge Rifle)
Serial Number: 07015NR2B7
Year of Manufacture: 1997 (NR Date Code)
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Single Shot, Lever-Actuated, Exposed Hammer Falling Block Rifle
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”, the left flat is marked “NP” at the rear, the right shoulder is marked “BROWNING MODEL 1885 CALIBER .45-70 GOV’T / RECOMMENDED FOR BLACK POWDER”. The right of the receiver has the serial number, the underside of the lever has a gold buck mark logo.
Barrel Length: 30”, Half-Octagonal Half-Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe-style sight with an aperture crosshair insert and integral spirit level. The front sight will accept replaceable reticle inserts, but only the installed insert is included. The rear of the barrel and the chamber ring each have a pair of drilled, tapped and filled holes for rear sights or optic mounts, but none are included. The top tang is drilled and tapped with a Browning branded Vernier 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 steel shotgun-style buttplate. The stocks have some scattered minor nicks, scuff and scratches with a few more notable marks at the heel and toe. There is a nick in the comb from the elevation knob of the tang sight. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear at the toe with more notable wear at the heel and well defined checkering. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel has a couple of scuffs, one on the left about 10″ from the muzzle and the other on the right just in front of the octagonal portion. There is a small patch of light scratching on the bottom edge of the left receiver flat. The action shows light operational wear. The breech-block has some spots of stubborn, dried grease. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Many would consider the High Wall to be the greatest single shot ever designed. Amongst the earliest of Browning’s designs, and the first produced by Winchester, it has been a popular choice for more than 135 years. This example was made in a Miroku production run from 1996 to 2001 as a BPCR rifle. Factory equipped with a Vernier tang sight and a globe-style front sight with integral spirit level, chambered for .45-70 Gov’t and using the classic Browning-designed Winchester 1885 action, it is perfectly suited for Black Powder Cartridge Rifle competitions. These rifles were simply too effective to ever go out of production for good and Japan’s premier gun maker pulled it off quite well. This rifle has beautiful walnut stocks and the vast majority of its finish remaining; these combined with the sharp bore make this a rifle with a lot of life left. Please see our photos and good luck!