Browning Miroku 1886 Grade I .45-70 Gov’t 26″ Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1986
SOLD FOR: $1545
LSB#: 220117LJ030
Make: Made by Miroku for Browning
Model: 1886, Limited Edition Grade 1
Serial Number: 03927PT197
Year of Manufacture: 1986 (PT date code)
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN” and “.45-70 GOVT”. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked “NP”and “BROWNING MODEL 1886 CALIBER .45-70 GOVT”. The top tang is marked “BROWNING MODEL 1886”, the right of the receiver is marked with the serial number under the loading gate.
Barrel Length: 26?, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up elevator sight with a U-notch glider that graduates from 0-20 in the up position, in the down position, the sight is a fixed U-notch. The rear sight is dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. A peep sight is equipped to the upper tang from which the peep aperture is missing. The fron screw is also missing from the sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and blued steel crescent buttplate. There is a sling swivel in the belly and one banded to the magazine tube. The stocks have scattered minor compressions, draglines, and light handling marks. There are some notable scratches on the left side of the wrist. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has no notable wear or damage. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
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 92% of its metal finish. There is thinning on the leading edges of the receiver, around the muzzle, on the loading gate, and on the inside of the lever loop. There is a patch of erosion on the front of the lever. The nose cape shows a faint plum hue. There are some faint nicks and scratches on the sides of the receiver as well as throughout the barrel. The screw heads are sharp, the front screw from the tang sight is missing. The upper tang was drilled and tapped to receive the tang sight. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The lever lock-up is tight and the trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a Browning model 1886, a reproduction of the original Winchester which was, ironically, designed by John Browning. The 1886 followed up the 1876, providing a much stronger action which was able to withstand larger and more powerful cartridges such as the .45-70, the issue rifle cartridge of the U.S. Army at the time. The design would later be shrunk for the model 1892. This modern reproduction has the same action and was produced as a limited edition for the centennial of the 1886 in 1986 with only 7,000 Grade I rifles made and an additional 3,000 High Grade rifles. This one has certainly been shot but has also been well cared for, in Fine condition. With its 26? octagonal barrel and .45-70 chambering, this would make a nice hunting rifle that could take just about any game in North America, though it’s a bit heavy for taking it on a long stalk and in such high condition, it will likely see interest from both Browning and Winchester collectors. If you’re looking for a .45-70 lever gun, you can’t do much better than this. Please see our photos and good luck!