Author Topic: Browning Model B-78 Question? (Read 1574 times)

38-72 · « **on:** May 12, 2004, 04:39:20 AM »

Help!!! I am searching for some information on the Browning Model B-78 rifle. I looking for measurements of the octagon barrel (ie the barrel length and the distance across the flats at the breech and muzzle). Can this type of info be found on the net, or can someone supply it?

John Traveler · « **Reply #1 on:** May 12, 2004, 05:09:23 AM »

At one time, I believe the Browning single-shot rifles were made by Badger. Thy came in standard lengths (2", 24", 26") and standard tapers.

You might try contacting Badger Barrels and request dimensional information on their octagon barrels.

HTH
John

Ray Newman · « **Reply #2 on:** May 12, 2004, 07:01:16 AM »

The B78 was not equipped w/ a Badger barrel. They were the 1st re-issue of the legendary M1885 Browning clones. IIRC correctly, they were only available for about a year or two,--approx 1979-80--then dropped from the catalogue. The B78 was fabricated by Miroku in Japan.

The only BP caliber was a .45-2.1" (AKA .45-70), & it was carbine w/ a crescent butt plate. Based on personal experience, it kicked like a mule w/ its light weight & crescent butt. The trigger also left something to be desired & there was no tang to mount a tang sight. had the rifle for about 3 yrs then sold it. No aftermarket trigger was available for it.

Every now & then, they show up on the various on-line auctions.

The last run of the Browning M1885 clones-- the BPCR, model-- was equipped w/ a Badger barrel & had an integral tang to mount a tang sight. IIRC, the Traditional Hunter series also had a tang, but I don't know as to the barrel maker(s). Like the B78, these rifles--cept for the barrels on the BPCR-- were fabricated by Miroku.

The BPCR was designed to be a competitive BPCR rifle & availalbe in .40-65 & .45-2.1" . There also was a 36" heavy-barreled (Badger) Creedmoor mod. availalbe in .45-2.4" (AKA .45-90). Only about 350 or so of these were made.

Like the B79, no aftermarket trigger are available ; however, there is a MO. gunsmith--Lee Shaver-- who really fiine tunes the trigger. he has done several of mine.

First Shirt · « **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2004, 11:28:22 AM »

Hey .38-72,

I can help with part of your question...the B78's were barreled with both a semi-heavy round barrel of 26" length, or a light sporter tapered octagon barrel, also 26" long. I don't remember the dimensions of the octagon barrel, but they were pretty skinny. Like Ray said, the .45-70 was the only caliber that had the crescent buttplate, and open sights. All other calibers had no sights, but came with scope mounts and rings.

These rifles were known for having very nicely figured wood...mine for example is a real show stopper.

Ray, my B78 is on its third barrel now...I adopted one of the .40-65 Badgers that was orphaned in the pursuit of the perfect small-bore BPCR. Shoots great!

Greg

TexasMac · « **Reply #4 on:** May 15, 2004, 02:32:23 PM »

Ray, I hope you don't mind but I felt the need to make a couple of corrections to your comments on the Browning BPCR's. The Browning Creedmoors have a 34" Badger barrel and 330 rifles were manufactured in late 1998, 300 for the USA/Canadian market and 30 for the European market. You were close on both accounts.

From what I can tell in working with Browning on my research these were the only Browning's with Badger barrels, so far. But I would not be surprised to see additional rifles from Browning's or Winchester introduced in the future with Badger barrels. I understand Browning has an inventory of barrels left over from the BPCR line.

As noted the B-78 had barrels from Miroku as did the later 1885 line, with the exception of the BPCR's. Also note that the recent limited introductions of 1885 rifles by Winchester have Miroku barrels. I believe by now that most everyone realizes that Winchester (USRAC) and Browning are "sister" companies owned by the FN Herstal, Belgium. It's probably more correct (poor grammar) to say that FN owns the Winchester Firearm trademark, which is marketed on firearms by USRAC. Both Browning and Winchester use Miroku in Japan to manufacture many firearms.

Wayne

Dusty Ed · « **Reply #5 on:** June 03, 2004, 12:33:53 AM »

Howdy Pards
There was once a after market trigger for the B78 .
I had one on B78 6MM varmit barreled it was a Can Jar single set.
I still have one on a Ruger #I 30-06.
I think they cost me $I25.00 each installed in the late 70s early 80s
Dusty Ed :wink:

Ray Newman · « **Reply #6 on:** June 03, 2004, 05:57:08 AM »

DE: after I purchased my B78, I called Canjar about an aftermarket B78 trigger. I was told that the B78 replacement trigger was no longer available due to problems fabricating it to fit/function in the B78.