Browning/Miroku B-78 .45-70 Govt 24” Single Shot Falling Block Rifle, 1976

SOLD FOR: $1,080.00

LSB#: LSB251107CV001

Make: Browning

Model:  B-78

Serial Number:  51206RT147

Year of Manufacture: 1976 (RT Date Code)

Caliber: .45-70 Govt

Action Type: Single Shot Falling Block

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable buckhorn square notch leaf sight dovetailed to the barrel. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece, gloss finished, checkered walnut stock set, with a straight grip, fluted straight comb, crescent buttplate, schnabel tipped forend. The LOP measures 13.25″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. There is little to no wear. There are a couple of light scratches. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in about Excellent condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. There is light fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little to no wear apart from some storage wear. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. There are spots of surface rust forming on the receiver. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good – Fine condition.  

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Browning B-78 is a modern single-shot falling block rifle developed in the 1970s as Browning’s first revival of the classic 19th-century falling block concept in a contemporary sporting rifle. Manufactured by Miroku in Japan and introduced before the later Model 1885 series, the B-78 combined traditional single-shot operation with modern metallurgy and manufacturing consistency. Chambered in .45-70 Government, this configuration reflects the cartridge’s long-standing role as a powerful sporting and utility round that remained relevant well into the 20th century. The B-78 occupies an important place in Browning’s history as the bridge between historic single-shot designs and modern production rifles.

This example is configured with a 24 inch barrel, blade front sight, and adjustable buckhorn rear sight, finished in original blue and fitted with gloss-finished checkered walnut stocks featuring a straight grip and crescent buttplate. The rifle retains approximately 98 percent of its original metal finish, with deep, even bluing and only minor storage wear, including small spots of surface rust noted on the receiver. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, showing light fouling and rating 9 out of 10, while the stocks show only a few light scratches with crisp checkering and no structural issues, overall rating Excellent. The action functions correctly with the half-cock safety operating as intended, and no accessories are included. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P