Browning Miroku Model 1885 .22 Hornet 24″ High Wall Single Shot Rifle, 1996
SOLD FOR: $1525
LSB#: 220422RK013
Make: Miroku in Japan for Browning
Model: 1885 High Wall
Serial Number: 06302NT2L7
Year of Manufacture: 1996 (NT Date Code)
Caliber: .22 Hornet
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” and “NP” at the rear, the right shoulder is marked “BROWNING MODEL 1885 CALIBER .22 HORNET ONLY”. The right of the receiver has the serial number, the underside of the lever has a buck mark logo.
Barrel Length: 24”, Octagonal
Sights / OptiCS: There are no provisions for iron sights. A two-piece Leupold rail system is installed for mounting an optic (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with schnabel forend, pistol grip, straight comb, and synthetic Browning buttplate. There is a sling swivel stud front and rear. The stocks show some small scratches on the belly. There is a small scuff on the right side of the schnabel tip. There are some other scattered hardly noticeable marks throughout. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows very light wear. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is some extremely faint oxidation on the left side of the receiver and some faint scratches on the right side. There are some sparse marks on the barrel. The screw heads are sharp. 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. 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!