Browning Model 65 High Grade, T. Naka Engraved Gray, Gold Plated & Blue 24” Lever Action Tube Fed Rifle & Box, MFD 1989
SOLD FOR:$1,552.00
LSB#: 160609BB03
Make: Miroku, in Japan, for Browning
Model: 65 High Grade
Serial Number: 01191PN667
Year of Manufacture: 1989
Caliber: .218 Bee
Action Type: Lever Action, Tube Magazine Fed Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN / BROWNING MODEL 65 CALIBER 218 BEE”, the right is marked “BROWNING MODEL 65 CALIBER 218 BEE”. The underside of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked “NP”. The left side of the receiver has a gold-plated coyote in circle, with elaborate scroll engraving, found again on the right side, which has a gold-plated bobcat in circle. The left side of the receiver is signed by T. Naka, who did the wonderful work. Please see our pictures of this beautiful rifle! The factory box is serialized to the rifle.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, integral to a base that is dovetailed onto a ramp base that is screw-secured to the barrel and the rear sight is a “U” notched leaf and slide-step elevator.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a deluxe gloss finished checkered walnut set. The forend has a metal nose cap and shows only a few faint marks. The butt stock has a squared semi-pistol grip and fluted comb; the stock has a few faint wispy scuffs and light marks which mostly go unnoticed until close inspection, however there are two small dings of note on the comb. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the matte blue checkered shotgun-style butt plate; the plate has a few very light marks and rates in Excellent condition. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, with grayed receiver and lever and gold-plated trigger & animals on the flanks of the receiver.
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a few faint scuff marks on the barrel from the rear sight slide elevator. There are only a few very light scuffs on the receiver and loading gate. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle looks to have seen very little use outside of the factory and was well taken care of in the interim. The hammer has a half-cock safety and the action is tight. 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: Included is the rifle’s original factory two piece black cardboard box that has a serialized end label which reflects the configuration of the item. The box has scuffs and wrinkling in some areas from storage but has no major damages and rates in Fine condition. The interior molded foam insert has some small losses and compression; the lid has light compression marks but no major damages, these items are in Fine condition. The rifle’s original plastic bag, marketing insert and owner’s manual are included, all in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: This is an absolutely breathtaking High Grade Miroku Browning Model 65 in .218 Bee, which is signed by master engraved T. Naka, who accomplished detailed scroll and animal scene engraving; the animals and trigger are gold plated, the receiver and lever are matte gray, the other items are blued; the rifle retains about 99% of its metal finishes with only faint scuffs to speak of. The stocks are free of major damages, the bore is bright and the rifle looks to have been used infrequently outside of the factory and was well taken care of in the interim. Included is the original factory box, foam inserts, plastic rifle bag, owner’s manual and marketing insert as photographed. If the collectors miss out on this one, any firearms enthusiast will be captivated by the fit and finish of this rifle. Please see our pictures and good luck.
