Browning Miroku Model 1886 Grade 1 .45-70 Gov’t 22″ Lever Action Rifle 1992
SOLD FOR: $1234.58
LSB#: 210906MB37
Make: Browning, Mfg. in Japan by Miroku
Model: 1886 Carbine, Grade 1
Serial Number: 04037NY1C7
Year of Manufacture: 1992 (NY date code)
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN” and “.45-70 GOVT”. The top of the barrel is marked “NP”, found again on the top of the chamber ring and the right side of the locking bolt. The right of the barrel is marked “BROWNING MODEL 1886 CALIBER .45-70 GOVT”. The top tang is marked “BROWNING MODEL 1886”, the bottom-front of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 22”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder-style sight showing a “U”-notch when folded down. When folded up, the crosspiece has a “U”-notch and the ladder is graduated from “0” to “20” with single hashes and markings in increments of 5.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip and carbine-style steel buttplate. There is a sling swivel in the belly and one banded to the mag tube just ahead of the forearm with an attached sling. The sling is weathered yet there are no rips or tears. The buttstock has scattered nicks, scratches, and compressions and there is some stubborn grease on the left side of the grip. The forearm also has some less frequently dispersed minor compressions and light scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered erosion and scabbing. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There are some scattered small spots of erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. There is erosion and scabbing all throughout the metal. There is light operational wear. The screw heads have erosion and are serviceable. The markings are somewhat shrouded by erosion yet are serviceable. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair-Good 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: The previously mentioned sling is included.
Our Assessment: This is a Browning model 1886 Carbine, 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 between 1992-1993 with only 7,000 Grade I rifles made and an additional 3,000 High Grade rifles. This one retains 60% of its metal finish with a decent bore, strong mechanics, and would make a great addition to any collection. A good amount of the erosion should clean off with oil and light scrubbing with steel wool. With its 22” round barrel it’s fairly handy as .45-70 lever-action rifles go. This would still make a nice hunting rifle that could take just about any game in North America. Please see our photos and good luck!