Browning Model 1886 Grade I .45-70 Gov’t 22” Lever Action Rifle 1992 & Box
SOLD FOR: $1,600.00
LSB#: LSB250611YM068
Make: Browning, Mfg. in Japan by Miroku
Model: 1886 Grade 1
Serial Number: 02138NY1C7
Year of Manufacture: 1992 (NY Date Code)
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle
Barrel Length: 22” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a raised block in front of the barrel band. The rear sight is a ladder sight which presents a u-notch when down and a u-notch slider when up, dovetailed and screwed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel curved buttplate. The left side of the receiver has a saddle ring. There are no chips or cracks. There are some pressure dents on the right side of the forend. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has shows no wear. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine Plus 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 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is little to no operational or handling wear. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever lock-up is tight and the trigger is crisp. Half Cock Safety. 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 with its factory box and owner’s manual.
Our Assessment: The Browning Model 1886 Grade I is a faithful reproduction of the legendary Winchester 1886, one of the strongest and most celebrated lever-action rifles of the late 19th century. Originally designed by John Moses Browning, the 1886 was built to handle powerful cartridges like the .45-70 Government, offering hunters and frontiersmen exceptional firepower in a rugged lever-action design. In the early 1990s, Browning partnered with Miroku of Japan—renowned for their craftsmanship and precision manufacturing—to produce these modern reproductions. The result was a rifle that captured the beauty and heritage of the original while benefiting from modern steel and machining tolerances.
This 1992-production example is chambered in the classic .45-70 Gov’t and sports a handy 22” barrel, making it well-suited for both hunting and range use. The rifle remains in Excellent condition, showing virtually no signs of handling wear and retaining about 99% of its original blue finish. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, rating 9/10, and the walnut stocks are clean with only light handling marks. Complete with its original box and manual, this rifle has clearly been well cared for and presents as close to factory fresh as one could hope for. For shooters who want a powerful lever gun or collectors seeking a high-quality tribute to an American classic, the Browning 1886 Grade I offers the perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and modern reliability. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
