Browning B78 vs 1885

[parkinsonsd]

Hey guys, just curious,

Have the opportunity to buy either a B78 or 1885 in .30-06.  Not sure what the difference is.

If one of you brilliant guys out there would let me know and give me some advice, I'd appreciate it.

Parker.

[Don in PA]

Parker
My 1885 shoots good in Black Powder 40-65.
All I know about the B78 is that inside it's a complety different rifle then the 1885.
Neither is a very easy rifle to take down for cleaning, removing the breach block ect.
The trigger on my 1885 was crisp at 3 lb and suitable for hunting. There is a attachment for lighting the trigger (from Brownells) but the best I could get was 1.5 lb.
I'm  happy with my 1885 and would buy another.
Don  

[First Shirt]

Hey Parker!  Both actions you mentioned are Browning recreations of the classic Winchester 1885 "high-wall" actions, designed by none other than John M. Browning.

They are both completely different on the inside from the originals, and the trigger is significantly different between the M78 and the M1885.

The M78 was introduced in the late '70s, and dropped from production sometime in the '80s.  The M1885 was updated, redesigned somewhat (especially the trigger) , and reintroduced in the '90s in several models...M1885 Highwall, M1885 Lowall, Traditional Hunter (both high and low wall versions), and BPCR competition models.  They are out of production again, to my knowledge, though you can still find new ones for sale here and there.

There are a lot of differences between the different models (stock shape, barrel length, barrel shape, sights, etc.), but the basic rifle, whether M78 or M1885 is still a great rifle, so pick the one that you like best and have fun!

Greg

[arty]

buy the b-78, the 1885 isnt half the rifle the 78 is.  the 78 trigger can be adjusted.  it has much better wood, it doesnt have the serial number stamped on the side the action like a damn liscense plate, and the 78 will go up in value.  i gaurantee.  arty.

[doc-and]

Just thought I'd add my two cents.  Browning Model 1885 was introduced in 1985 in 45-70, to celebrate the 1885 introduction.  Own 2 of them since released. (was a dealer at that time)  Great guns!!  The following year (1986) Browning released the Model 1886, bought 2 of those also.  1 to shoot and another in the box unfired.  Great investment!!!

doc-and