Browning B-78 23 of 50 Engraved Bicentennial 30-06 Single Shot Rifle, 1976
SOLD FOR: $5925
LSB#: 210920WW13
Make: Browning, Made by Miroku in Japan
Model: B-78 Bicentennial; State of Maine, 23 of 50
Serial Number: W5715023
Year of Manufacture: 1976
Caliber: .30-06
Action Type: Falling-Block Single Shot Rifle
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 .30-06 ONLY / PATENT NO 3830000”. The top of the barrel at the rear is marked “23rd of 50 Bicentennials / Engr. by N. + G. Hartiep”. The bottom-front of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The grip cap is marked “Pine Tree State”. The left side of the receiver shows a gold inlay soaring eagle clutching the state of Maine, which is marked “MAINE / 23rd / 1820”. There is also a banner with gold etching that reads “1776 ************* USA BICENTENNIAL E. PLURIBUS UNUM 1976”. The right side of the receiver shows a gold inlay Liberty Bell with a banner that reads “OUR LIBERTY WE MAINTAIN”. Several areas of the gun including the sides of the receiver, lever, front and rear of the barrel, and the sides of the sight bases contain decorative floral scroll engraving. The borders of the stock checkering also have scroll engraving.
Barrel Length: 26”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. Two-piece Browning bases are installed. Included separately in its original box is a Browning scope with a fixed 4x magnification and a duplex reticle. The glass has an unfortunate small crack and the scope exterior shows only light handling marks, retaining a high level of visibility. The scope rates in about Good condition and would easily rate Fine-Plus if not for the small crack.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with schnabel forend, capped pistol grip, monte-carlo comb, basket weave black rubber Browning buttpad, and sling studs front and rear. The wood is clean with no major imperfections, just faint rub wear on the right side of the buttstock from sitting in storage. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 13 1/2? from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad, 12 5/8? to the back of the wood. The pad shows faint rub wear along the sides and some faint discoloration in between the weaves. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Gold
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish showing only very light operational wear and handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The lever locks up with no play. 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 comes in its original black hard case with a plaque on the top marked “23 OF 50 / BICENTENNIAL RIFLE / MAINE”, gun oil and cleaning cloth, two scope rings with the previously mentioned scope, and an envelope containing original authenticity documents, proof of ownership, and a catalogue.
Our Assessment: The Browning B-78 saw relatively low and short production, from 1973-1982 with approximately 24,000 rilfes manufactured total before being superseded by the reproduction Model 1885. This example is the 23rd of a short run of 50, one for each state, commemorating the bicentennial of the United States of America in 1976. This one is for the state of Maine. While such an uncommon Browning is likely to get collectors interest by itself, this example has been engraved by Neil & Glen Hartleip, with relief scroll engraving and sculpted gold inlay scenes on the receiver flats. Rounded out with gold accents and a commemorative case with a scope and paperwork, this gorgeous rifle is perfect for any collection, especially fans of Browning. Please see our pictures and good luck!