Jonathan Browning Mountain Rifle .50 Cal Percussion Black Powder 1 of 1000
SOLD FOR: $1,131.99
LSB#: LSB250804MF110
Make: Browning Arms Company
Model: Jonathan Browning Mountain Rifle Centennial Commemorative
Serial Number: 1878A-0018
Year of Manufacture: 1978 Modern
Caliber: .50 Caliber, Black Powder Only
Action Type: Percussion Cap, Single Shot, Muzzleloading Rifle
Markings:
The right-hand flat of the barrel is marked “Jonathan Browning Mountain Rifle” in script, followed by “.50 CALIBER BLACK POWDER ONLY PATENTS PENDING.” Below this is the serial number “1878A-0018.” The left-hand barrel flat is marked “BROWNING ARMS CO. MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL, P.Q. MADE IN U.S.A.” The lockplate features a raised bas-relief portrait of Jonathan Browning. The right side of the buttstock bears a brass oval medallion inscribed “BROWNING 1878–1978 CENTENNIAL.” The included powder horn is engraved “Jonathan Browning MOUNTAIN RIFLE 1878–1978 0018 of 1000.”
Barrel Length: 30” Octagonal Barrel
Sights / Optics:
The front sight is a bladed post dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a fixed V-notch sight mounted to the top flat of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition:
The stock is a one-piece walnut with a straight comb, brass furniture, and a crescent buttplate. The wood shows striking figure with smooth, rich finish and only faint evidence of handling. The brass trigger guard, patch box, and furniture all exhibit a natural aged tone. The included leather sling attached to the powder horn remains supple and intact. The overall fit and finish are superb, befitting a limited-edition commemorative rifle.
Type of Finish:
Blued Barrel and Case-Hardened Lock with Brass and Walnut Furniture
Finish Originality:
Original
Bore Condition:
The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion, and it appears unfired. A small piece of packaging sticker has made its way into the chamber somehow and should be cleared prior to any firing. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition:
This rifle retains virtually all of its original finish, showing 99%+ of its factory blue and case colors. The barrel flats and hardware exhibit only faint handling marks consistent with careful storage. The stock remains excellent, with crisp edges, clean surfaces, and deep figure throughout the walnut. The case interior is lined with a soft golden felt-like material, showing minimal age compression. The included accessories — powder horn, and tool kit — remain in excellent condition, with the Browning-marked bag of tools still sealed.
Mechanics:
The lock does not currently hold at half- or full-cock, suggesting a minor sear or tumbler engagement issue preventing proper trigger connection. The internal components appear clean and properly fitted otherwise. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories:
This rifle comes in its factory hardwood presentation case with brass hinges and latches, lined in soft tan velvet. The interior includes the original Browning-marked powder horn numbered “0018 of 1000,” a leather horn sling, and a wooden compartment containing the sealed factory tool kit with nipple wrench, jag, and cleaning accessories.
Our Assessment:
This Jonathan Browning Mountain Rifle was created to celebrate Browning’s 100th anniversary, commemorating the founding of Browning Arms Company in 1878. Built in the traditional spirit of Jonathan Browning’s 19th-century craftsmanship, this .50 caliber percussion rifle pays homage to the rugged mountain rifles of the frontier era — long-barreled, accurate, and deeply tied to early American exploration. Each rifle was hand-fitted and numbered in a limited edition of 1,000, with a matching powder horn and fitted case.
The .50 caliber black-powder bore represents the archetypal big-bore muzzleloader of its day — versatile, reliable, and capable of taking game from elk to bear with round ball or conical load. This example, serial number 1878A-0018, is one of the earliest produced, and remains in pristine condition with its complete accessory set, original packaging, and display accoutrements. The crisp engraving, figured walnut, and historical detailing make this rifle both a centerpiece for collectors and a finely executed tribute to America’s pioneering gunsmithing lineage.
We are no longer offering layaway. KF
