Browning Model B-78 B78 Like Winchester 1885 .22-250 Remington Rifle, 1976
SOLD FOR: $1026
LSB#: 220314LH001
Make: Browning, made in Japan by Miroku
Model: B-78 High Power
Serial Number: 01318RT147
Year of Manufacture: 1976
Caliber: .22-250 Remington
Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot Rifle w/ Extractor
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked “BROWNING – 78 CALIBER .22-250 ONLY / PATENT NO. 3830000”. The bottom-front of the receiver is marked “01318 / RT147”.
Barrel Length: 26″, Tapered Octagonal
Sights / Optics: There are two-piece Browning bases installed on the chamber ring and the rear of the barrel. There is another set of drilled, tapped, and filled holes mid barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with capped pistol grip, monte carlo comb, schnabel forend, basketweave textured black rubber Browning buttpad, and there are mounts for Pachmayr QD sling rings front and rear. There is a crack on the right side of the wrist. There are a couple light marks on the left side of the forearm. Otherwise, only light handling marks are present. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has minor wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Good condition and would rate higher if not for the cracks.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The lever has minor operational wear, visible when the action is open. There are a few scattered minor marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action works correctly. The hammer has a safety notch. The trigger breaks crisply and the lever locks-up solidly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in its original serial matching box. The box shows several rips and tears and there is a puncture in the bottom.
Our Assessment: When they were first manufactured, the John Browning designed Winchester Model 1885 rifles were deemed stronger than the prior Sharps rifles, and the different sight and trigger options available made them an instant hit with hunters and target shooters alike. The Model 1885 rifles were targeted at competitors in “Match Shooting”, a sport which was extremely popular from about 1871 to 1917. The Winchester rifles challenged the Sharps, Remington, Maynard and Ballard rifles, and quickly became known for their reliability and accuracy. Major Ned Roberts, inventor of the .257 Roberts cartridge, described the Model 1885 as “the most reliable, strongest and altogether best single shot rifle ever produced”. In 1973, Browning introduced their own version of the 1885, the B-78 High Power, in a variety of cartridges. This example is chambered for .22-250 Remington and has a 26″ tapered octagon barrel. The rifle is in Excellent condition, appearing to have seen a few trips to the range or maybe the field, but responsible use and maintenance. With its simple, rugged design, target shooting heritage, and .22-250 chambering, this is a rifle that will do just as well popping prairie dogs as it will punching paper. It doesn’t hurt that it’s easy on the eyes, too. Please see our photos and good luck!