Author Topic: Browning 1885 Highwall 45-70 sight options. (Read 2075 times)

Sig210-6 · « **on:** November 24, 2003, 02:41:49 AM »

I picked up (2) new 1885's a yr. or so back.
A 45-70 Highwall, and 44mag trad hunter.
Would have liked a set up closer to my sons 44,
but there were no other options/models at the time.
Was just happy to find the 2 caliber's I wanted.
I don't want to put a scope on the 45-70, but do like the
sighting set up on the Trad hunter. Is there an easy way to improve
upon the orig. open sights without "hacking up" such a beautiful gun?
(The wood on this 45-70 unbelievable)
Thanks in advance!
Mark

Sig210-6 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 24, 2003, 03:41:11 AM »

Brownells sells these for the 1885,
not sure how they mount though?
Not the wood?
Out of stock anyhow.........

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=8835&title=TANG+SIGHTS
579-009-813
Browning 1885 (w/out tang) $125.00
Out of Stock

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** November 24, 2003, 04:44:53 AM »

We've tossed this one back and forth here many times over the years. There just isn't any good iron sight options for the Brownings. They do not have a tang on which to mount any kind of vernier tang sight unless they come from the factory with the sight such as the Traditional Hunter and the BPCR.

You're only real choices are the sights it came with or a scope.

GB

Sig210-6 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 24, 2003, 05:54:15 AM »

Thanks!
Too bad though, hate to spoil the lines with a scope.
Will just use the iron sights.

EDG · « **Reply #4 on:** November 24, 2003, 02:11:31 PM »

Williams at one time listed their Foolproof receiver sight for the model 1885. This sight is a receiver sight that mounts in the 2 scope screw holes in the receiver. No modification of the rifle is required other than a higher front sight to permit a 100 yard zero.
You might call Williams to find out if they still sell them.
I can send you of a photo of one mounted.

Ed

Sig210-6 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 24, 2003, 05:37:48 PM »

Thanks for the info, will check it out.
I found there 1-800 number, will call in the am.

Sig210-6 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 25, 2003, 07:18:09 AM »

Thanks again. Williams is sending me a catalog!
They offer 2 models for the 1885.
$67.00 and $79.00 both mount to the tapped scope holes.
Sounds good!

Lee D. · « **Reply #7 on:** November 25, 2003, 08:39:37 AM »

Would you post their 800 number?

EDG · « **Reply #8 on:** November 25, 2003, 02:14:42 PM »

Hello,
I will post the number.
It is Williams Gun Sight Company
1-800-530-9028
They are in Davison, MI
The 2 models are the standard Foolproof sight with screw driver slotted adjusting screws. The other version is the same sight with target knobs that are finger adjustable.
A new front sight will be required unless you will be shooting at loooong range. My rifle shot about 14 inches over the POA at 100 yards with the original sight. The original front sight is .380 tall. The height of the new front sight will depend on how straight your barrel is and the velocity of your loads. A new sight height of .500 might work for some rifles but I would recommend at least .625 to .700. Good luck. The receiver sight is a vast improvement for precision shooting without hanging a scope on your rifle.

Ed

Lee D. · « **Reply #9 on:** December 04, 2003, 06:31:08 AM »

Two Questions.
I have a Browning which is marked "model 1885", but someone told me that it is actually a 78. What are the differences?
Does anyone know how the Marbles sight for the Tangless 1885 model mounts?
I can not find a picture of this sight or any other info than that they are made for this gun.

EDG · « **Reply #10 on:** December 04, 2003, 02:09:26 PM »

The 1878 rifle in .45/70 had a 24 inch barrel and a brass crescent butt plate.
If your rifle is marked 1885 on the original barrel it couldn't be anything else.
Ed

First Shirt · « **Reply #11 on:** December 05, 2003, 07:49:04 AM »

Lee, the Marbles sight you're talking about mounts with two wood screws into the wrist of the stock.

Someone could possibly have replaced the barrel on your rifle with one from a Browning 1885...you can check the serial number of your action against those listed for B-78's and 1885's on Browning's website. The other way to tell definitely if you have a B-78 or an 1885 is that the 1885's have a small pin through the action that retains the trigger mechanism. There is no retaining pin on the B-78's.

Greg

Lee D. · « **Reply #12 on:** December 05, 2003, 08:18:46 AM »

It is an 1885 then. I don't remember why or who but someone told me that the 78's were also marked 1885 for some reason. Glad to get this cleared up.
Firstshirt,
That mounting to the wood idea does not sound so good, might be okay but I wouldn't like it. The Williams sight may be pretty high but I think I will give that a try. The scope interfering with hammer is the problem and I like having some guns around with peep sights(71 Winchester, 8 Rem., 81 Rem.,39 Marlin).

EDG · « **Reply #13 on:** December 05, 2003, 09:42:02 AM »

Hello Lee D.,
Not only does a scope interfere with thumbing the hammer, it makes it a little more tedious to load. If you try the Williams sight you might think about a front sight taller than just the lowest height that permits you to sight in. The Williams sight when set to its lowest position tends to make an upper wall across the breech further limiting room for big fingers.
I really like the Williams sight though, you don't have to fold it down every time you look though the bore or run a cleaning rod through the it.

Ed

Lee D. · « **Reply #14 on:** December 05, 2003, 09:49:46 AM »

Sounds like something to consider.