Browning Miroku Model 65 .218 Bee Blued Lever Action Rifle 1989 24”
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: 250529BS005
Make: Browning
Model: 65
Serial Number: 00586PN167
Year of Manufacture: 1989 (PN date code)
Caliber: .218 Bee
Action Type: Lever Action, Tube-Magazine Fed Rifle
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN” and “BROWNING MODEL 65 CALIBER 218 BEE”. The right of the barrel is marked “BROWNING MODEL 65 CALIBER 218 BEE”. The top of the barrel at the rear, the top of the chamber ring, the left of the bolt and both locking lugs are each marked “NP”. The bottom-front of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, ramped base which is screwed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch semi-buckhorn leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The left of the receiver is factory drilled, tapped, and filled in two places for a side mount (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with capped forend, pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered blued steel buttplate. There are some dings on the belly of the stock and the forend. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Good to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The receiver shows signs of a scope mount having been attached in the past. The screw heads for the scope mounting holes are tooled, but serviceable. The rest of the screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. There is some operational wear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Browning Model 65, manufactured by Miroku in Japan, is a tribute to the legendary Winchester Model 65—faithfully recreated with Browning’s modern craftsmanship and chambered in the zippy .218 Bee. This rifle offers the best of both worlds: classic lines and exceptional fit and finish, paired with an accurate, flat-shooting varmint cartridge. The 24” barrel, hooded front bead sight, and factory semi-buckhorn rear give it vintage style and excellent field usability.
This example is in Very Good condition with 97% original bluing remaining and a sharp, bright bore that rates a solid 10/10. It does show some honest signs of use—scattered dings in the walnut stocks and faint wear on the receiver where a scope base once rode—but nothing that detracts from its function or charm. With its drilled-and-tapped receiver and classic pistol-grip stock, this rifle is equally ready for glass or irons, whether you’re chasing varmints, building a collection, or just want a high-quality lever-action in an uncommon caliber. The .218 Bee may be overlooked in the modern era, but paired with Browning’s high-quality workmanship, it’s a jewel for those who appreciate speed, precision, and tradition. Please view our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
