Browning Miroku Model 1885 45-70 Gov’t Falling Block Single Shot Rifle 1994

SOLD FOR: $1625

LSB#: 210903LS06

Make: Miroku in Japan for Browning

Model: 1885 Falling Block

Serial Number: 01427NW247

Year of Manufacture: 1994 (NW Date Code)

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Single Shot, Lever-Actuated, Exposed Hammer Falling Block Rifle

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN” and “NP” at the rear, the right is marked “BROWNING MODEL 1885 CALIBER .45-70 GOV’T”. The right of the receiver has the serial number, the underside of the lever has a gold plated buck mark logo. The recoil pad is marked “BROWNING”.

Barrel Length: 28” Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The rifle has a dovetail set blade front sight and a dovetail set rear leaf and elevator sight (square notch semi-buckhorn). The chamber ring and barrel are factory drilled and tapped for mounting optics (not included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with exceptional grain and color. The forend has a Schnabel forend and swivel studs on the underside. The wood is checkered with a high gloss finish. There are very few dings, marks or scratches and this rifle spent more time in the box than on the range. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the black rubber recoil pad; the pad is set with a black spacer and shows superb fit to the stock, there is white discoloration in the checkering. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a few tiny scattered marks, none of which draw attention. The rifle looks to have seen minimal use if any at all. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: This rifle comes in its original serial matching box.

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. This example was made in a Miroku production run from 1985 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 almost all of its blue 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!