Browning/Miroku B-78 .22-250 Rem. 26” Single Shot Falling Block Rifle, 1977
SOLD FOR: $1,626.00
LSB#: LSB250902JM068
Make: Browning
Model: B-78
Serial Number: 01008RR147
Year of Manufacture: 1977 (RR Date Code)
Caliber: .22-250 Remington
Action Type: Single Shot Falling Block
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”. The right side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING-78 CALIBER .22-250 ONLY”, along with a patent number. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 26”
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the barrel is mounted with a Leupold 12x scope with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows no notable wear. Overall, the scope rates in Excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece, gloss finished, checkered walnut stock set, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, rubber buttpad, schnabel tipped forend, and sling rings front and rear. There is a nylon sling attached to the rifle. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light wear, with a few light scattered scratches, dings, and compressions throughout. The gloss finish is intact, the wood grain is attractive, and the checkering remains well defined with sharp peaks. The stocks fit the barreled action tightly, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good 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 original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no notable wear. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. This rifle is equipped with an aftermarket trigger shoe.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a plastic hard case, and the sling and Leupold scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Browning’s B-78, introduced in the early 1970s and built by Miroku in Japan, revived the classic American falling-block rifle at a time when traditional single-shots were enjoying renewed appreciation among varmint and precision shooters. The design drew inspiration from the legendary Winchester Model 1885 High Wall, but incorporated modern steels, refined machining, and Browning’s characteristic attention to fit and finish. This 1977 example reflects those strengths clearly; the bluing remains deep and uniform, the wood shows tight grain beneath its gloss finish, and the rifle’s overall presentation suggests careful ownership rather than field wear. The clean checkering, crisp lines of the schnabel forend, and the well-fitted Monte Carlo buttstock all reinforce the rifle’s position as a premium single-shot of its era.
The .22-250 Remington cartridge, standardized in 1965 after decades as a popular wildcat, quickly became a benchmark in high-velocity varmint performance. Known for flat trajectories and excellent accuracy, the .22-250 found a natural home in solid, precise platforms like the B-78. Paired here with a bright, sharp bore and a Leupold 12x optic, the rifle is configured for long range, small game, and target shooting, benefiting from the inherent rigidity and consistency of the falling-block action. With its strong metal finish, refined Miroku craftsmanship, and classic single-shot profile, this B-78 stands as an elegant and capable rifle from a period when Browning was producing some of its most admired sporting arms. Please see our high quality photos and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
