Browning 1886 45-70 Gov’t Greyed Steel Engraved Lever Action Rifle MFD 1992
SOLD FOR: $4324.99
LSB#: 230520LJ002
Make: Browning, Mfg. in Japan by Miroku
Model: 1886 SRC Limited Edition High Grade
Serial Number: 00117NY6C7
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 “1 OF 3000” and “NP”, found again on the top of the chamber ring. 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, “00117 / NY6C7”. The receiver features fine engraving of nature/game scenes with molded gold bear and deer. The engraver’s mark reads “T.MORI”.
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 two-piece high grade walnut with checkered banded forend, checkered straight grip, sling ring on the receiver, and carbine-style steel buttplate. There are only light handling marks, but otherwise the stocks are free of any notable wear or damage. The checkering is sharp. 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 no evident wear. Overall, the stocks rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Greyed Steel receiver and gold plated trigger.
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 are some minor storage and handling marks but the metal is generally free of any notable imperfections. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent 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: This rifle includes its original serial matching box and a manual.
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 3,000 made. This one doesn’t appear to have seen much use, in Excellent condition. It retains 99% of its metal finish with a great bore, strong mechanics, and absolutely gorgeous engraving on the receiver and would make a great addition to any collection. This would make a nice hunting rifle that could take just about any game in North America, though in such high condition, it will likely see interest from both Browning and Winchester collectors. If you’re looking for a .45-70 lever gun, you can’t do much better than this. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
