Browning Model 1885 28” .45-70 Falling Block Rifle, 1998 w/ Box
SOLD FOR: $1,376.00
WOA#: WY240413KF081
Make: Made by Miroku of Japan, imported by Browning Arms Co
Model: 1885 Single Shot Falling Block High Wall
Serial Number: 05571NP371
Year of Manufacture: 98 (NP date code)
Caliber: .45-70 Govt.
Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot
Markings: The Right shoulder of the barrel is marked “Browning Model 1885 Caliber 45-70. Government”. The left side of the barrel shoulder is marked “ Browning Arms Company INC. – Morgan, Utah & Montreal PQ/ Made in Japan ”. The barrel and receiver is marked with BrowningOval WP proofs. The right side of the receiver is marked “05571NP371”.
Barrel Length: 28” Tapered Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Rocky Mountain Front Sight dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch semi-buckhorn leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The rear of the barrel and the chamber ring each have a pair of drilled, tapped and filled holes for mounting a scope (none included). The top tang is drilled and tapped with a folding peep sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with schnabel forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent steel buttplate. The stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has no notable wear or damage. Overall, the stocks are in 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. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent- Like New condition. It appears unfired outside of factory testing.
Mechanics: The action works correctly. 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 with its factory box, and owner’s manual.
Our Assessment: When they were first manufactured, the John Browning designed Browning 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 Browning 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”. It is a beautiful rifle with a 28? octagon barrel, beautiful walnut stocks, and has been equipped with a nice sight setup. Whether you’re looking to add to your Browning collection or get a rifle for hunting, this will make a fine gun for the lucky winner. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.
