Winchester Miroku 1885 Limited Series .45-90 Falling Block Rifle, 2003
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: WY240905SP039
Make: Winchester, made in Japan by Miroku
Model: 1885, Limited Series
Serial Number: 00037MX85D
Year of Manufacture: 2003 (MX Date Code)
Caliber: .45-90, Black Powder Only
Action Type: Single Shot, Lever-Actuated, Exposed Hammer Falling Block Rifle
Barrel Length: 34” Octagonal Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe-style sight with a beaded post insert dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight has been removed with a blank installed in the dovetail. The top of the chamber ring and top rear of the barrel each have a pair of drilled, tapped and filled holes for mounting an optic (none present). The top tang is drilled and tapped with a folding tang sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a schnabel tipped forend, straight grip, fluted straight comb, sling stud front and rear, and a steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have a few minor nicks and light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling, mostly copper fouling on the lands. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The metal shows a couple of light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: John M. Browning’s first design was a simple and robust single-shot rifle. It was not only his first design, but it was the first one he sold to the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., starting decades of partnership between Browning and Winchester. The rifle was produced in New Haven, CT from 1885 until the early 1920s when it was discontinued. A classic like this can’t stay out of production forever, and this example was made by Miroku for the U.S. Repeating Arms Co. under license of Winchester in 2003. These rifles were simply too effective to ever go out of production for good and Japan’s premier gun maker pulled it off quite well. This rifle has beautiful walnut stocks, 99% original metal finish remaining, and is chambered for .45-90, a classic BPCR cartridge. This gorgeous single shot rifle shows little sign of use and should still prove to be a great target rifle. She is also a must have for any Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
