I own one (.22-250 with heavy-round barrel), so you could say I’m prejudiced in their favor. Also, I think a B-78 in 30-06 (with octagon barrel) is about THE perfect large-game rifle.
That said, there are a few quirks you should be aware of:
1) Some people think the “style” (Monte Carlo stock on a classic 1885 action) … not to mention the shiny Browning finish … is kind of hokey.
2) The newer 1885s have an “inertial” sear, which supposedly prevents an accidental discharge if you let the hammer slip while de-cocking. The B-78 does NOT (that’s why they were discontinued).
3) Clearance under a scope (to the hammer) is limited. This makes de-cocking difficult. You can NOT use a hammer extension, like on some lever actions. You’ll have to choose your scope mount blocks accordingly; and watch out for some of the adjustable-power scopes … their eyepieces are just too darn big.
4) Don’t EVER take the action fully apart. It’s supposedly VERY hard to re-assemble (requires 3 hands, at best). Most gunsmiths won’t touch them.
5) If you were thinking of doing a barrel switch (short of having a custom barrel made), forget it. Browning will only sell a complete barreled action (not just the barrel, or action) … ASSUMING it’s available.
6) This is a discontinued model. Neither parts nor service are available from Browning. Browning’s web-site refers you to these 2 resources:
- Parts:
Chatham's
1503 C.R. 2217
Tennessee Colony, Texas 75861
Phone: 903-928-2400
- Service:
Ahlman's Custom Gun Shop
9525 West 230th Street
Morristown, Minnesota 55052
Phone: 507-685-4244 or 4243
Fax: 507-685-4280
And even at that, some parts (like stocks) may not be available. HOWEVER, a close examination of the respective parts lists and exploded diagrams shows that MOST of the parts in the more-recent 1885 are the same as in the B-78.
