T. Naka Engraved Browning Model 65 High Grade .218 Bee Lever Rifle MFD 1989
SOLD FOR: $2,925
LSB#: 231107CC012
Make: Miroku, in Japan, for Browning
Model: 65 High Grade
Serial Number: 01312PN667
Year of Manufacture: 1989
Caliber: .218 Bee
Action Type: Lever Action, Tube Magazine Fed Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN / BROWNING MODEL 65 CALIBER 218 BEE”, the right is marked “BROWNING MODEL 65 CALIBER 218 BEE”. The underside of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked “NP”. The left side of the receiver has a gold-plated coyote in circle, with elaborate scroll engraving, found again on the right side, which has a gold-plated bobcat in circle. The left side of the receiver is signed by T. Naka.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded brass beaded blade, integral to a base that is dovetailed onto a ramp base that is screw-secured to the barrel and the rear sight is a “U” notched leaf and slide-step elevator.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a deluxe gloss finished checkered walnut set with a capped forend, pistol grip, straight comb, and a checkered steel buttplate. The wood shows no significant wear or damage. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the matte blue checkered shotgun-style butt plate; the plate has a few very light marks. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, with grayed receiver and lever and gold-plated trigger & animals on the flanks of the receiver.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a couple of small, faint spots of erosion near the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no significant wear, only a few faint handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle looks to have seen very little use outside of the factory and was well taken care of in the interim. The hammer has a half-cock safety and the action is tight. 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: Included is the rifle’s original factory two piece black cardboard box that has a serialized end label and a manual.
Our Assessment: This is an absolutely breathtaking High Grade Miroku Browning Model 65 in .218 Bee, which is signed by master engraved T. Naka, who accomplished detailed scroll and animal scene engraving; the animals and trigger are gold plated, the receiver and lever are matte gray, the other items are blued; the rifle retains about 99% of its metal finishes with only faint scuffs to speak of. The stocks are free of major damages, the bore is bright and the rifle looks to have been used infrequently outside of the factory and was well taken care of in the interim. If the collectors miss out on this one, any firearms enthusiast will be captivated by the fit and finish of this rifle. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
