Browning 78 disassembly/assembly info needed

[Marty]

Howdy,
Friend of mine working on a mod. 78 and needs some info on taking apart and re-assembling. There have been subtle changes between these and the 1885's.  Looking for help with some small parts and their function. Anyone know where I can find some good info on this? Thanks for your help.

Marty

[PeterF.]

Good luck to you.  I have a B-78, myself, and try to keep up on any articles I see.  Most folks (including Frank DeHaas, "Mr. Single Shot") say, "Don't do it", or, "You better have 3 hands".  As you note, lots of little bits to keep track of, especially the little spring-loaded detent balls.  And, yes, it's different from the more recent Browning/Winchester 1885s (which are supposedly safer).  I have, however, seen a write-up on how to adjust the trigger; so, if that's all you want to do (and it still isn't easy), that info is out there.

[marlinman93]

Great advice by Peterf! Most good gunsmiths wont take these guns apart, so if it's not broken, leave it alone. It's not worth the misery.

[Marty]

Hi Guys,
I don't disagree with you. I have an 1885 that I don't intend to take mine apart. My friend who already has a 78 fully apart is a gunsmith. I was trying to see what I could do to get him some more background info. on the action. There are a couple of parts that raise some questions. I'm not worried about my friend; he's the best in this region. Would just help him out a bit.

45Auto

[PeterF.]

It may be useful just to know exactly what some apparently-obscure part is called.  If so, an exploded parts diagram and parts list might be helpful.  It would also give a rough idea of how it goes together.  I don't know if it will work, but Browning's web site has a section on "Parts and Service for Obsolete Browning Guns", which list sources for both parts and/or service; and there's a sub-section for the B-78.  It notes 1 parts source and 2 service sources.  Your friend may be able to get a parts diagram & list from them.  That site also notes that most parts  for obsolete Browning guns, in general, were taken over by a guy in Canada (which may be helpful in your particular case).  If your guy is REALLY lucky, he may get someone who is both knowledgeable and chatty, who can solve his immediate problem (fat chance, though; these guys make their money by knowing stuff no one else does). Let us know how it works out.
One of the DeHaas books (described elsewhere recently on this Forum) might have something, although the one I saw mainly talked about how to install a dampening screw to nullify front end vibration on the B-78.

[marlinman93]

Marty,
 I sure didn't mean your smith friend wasn't up to the task! There are a few excellent gunsmiths who I've talked to, that have gotten these things back together, but every one says he'll never take onen apart again.

[Murf]

Go to the browning site and you should be able to order the exploded parts diagram. I recieved one from them a couple years ago.  While on the B78 does anyone know the size and thread pattern for the trigger connector screw  part number PO74739

[260 AAR]

Hi All,
   If you can`t get the take-down/assembly info let me know. i have it and can scan it to you. Ditto the parts breakdown! The main balliwick is that getting the hammer and the associated springs is a real BITCH! They all go into the frame together. I found this out when I rebarreled my 78 to 6PPC. That is the "three hands" thingy. Also need a slave pin to keep the whole mess together and lined up until you can work the lever and align the pins. Let me know if I can be of any help.

Aloha, Mark

[Marty]

Howdy Guys,
Been tied up lately and didn't have a chance to respond.
I think my friend has things under control. If needed will get back to you on the offers of help. Thanks for taking the time.

Marlinman...no problem; no offence taken. You're right, these things are tricky to say the least.

Marty