Browning Model 1885 Like Winchester High Wall .45-70 Gov’t Rifle, 1993

SOLD FOR: $1,735.00

LSB#: WY241110TW008

Make: Browning, Made by Miroku of Japan

Model: 1885 High Wall

Serial Number: 99619NX

Year of Manufacture: 1993 (NX date code)

Caliber: .45-70 Gov’t

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot

Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”, the right shoulder is marked “BROWNING MODEL 1885 CALIBER 45-70 GOVT”. The right of the receiver is marked with the serial number at the bottom-rear. The trigger guard has a Browning Buck Mark logo.

Barrel Length: 28? Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set between a base dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u notch elevator semi-buckhorn sight dovetailed to the barrel (no riser present).  The top of the barrel has two drilled and tapped holes behind the rear sight. The top of the receiver has a pair of drilled and tapped holes.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with schnabel forend, straight grip, fluted straight comb, and checkered Browning rubber buttpad. The stocks have only a few scattered minor nicks and scuffs. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Overall, the stocks are in about 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, only minor handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.

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: None.

Our Assessment: When they were first manufactured, the John Browning designed Winchester 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 Winchester 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”. This is a fairly recent production Browning 1885 rifle chambered for .45-70 Gov’t.. It is a beautiful rifle with a 28? octagon barrel and beautiful walnut stocks. Whether you’re looking to add to your Browning or Winchester collection or to get a nice range rifle, this will make a fine gun for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.