Author Topic: Browning 1885 Low Wall Questions (Read 1823 times)

Tentman · « **on:** November 20, 2005, 09:53:02 PM »

Hello Guys

I have a bad case of the old rifle craving disease, I'm hoping some questions might make it go away but its set real bad. I love the look and can just imagine how handy and well balanced they must be, a hunters delight I'll bet.

As you can see its a Browning Low Wall I'm set on, ideally in 243, but I just have to have one so maybe I'll just have to build it myself . . .

Questions:

I've scoured Guns America, Gun Broker and done extensive searchs for a 243 but have had a zero for at least a month - are the 243's and 260's rare or what, and sought after ?? Any ideas on where else to try in the US or Canada ?? (I've arranged export agents in both countries)

If I go with a 44 or 45 etc what problems might I strike if I wanted to rebarrel it to a 243 later, extractor ? maybe the case colour actions are not tempered the same so have less strenght ??

Could I go with a 22 or 17 rimfire and convert that to c/f ?? Problems ??

Does the hammer come to full cock as the action is cycled like the original 1885's (please tell me it doesn't and maybe I won't want one afterall)

Many thanks and cheers from New Zealand

Foster

dodd3 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 20, 2005, 09:59:40 PM »

tent i don't think they have ever done one in ,243 only on the high wall
bernie

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** November 21, 2005, 05:33:09 AM »

That is BAD info. Browning sold them in both .243 and .260. I owned one in .243 and a friend in PA still owns one so chambered. There were likely fewer of them than those in .22 Hornet which I also have owned and .223 Rem. which my friend in PA also owns. I have held one in .260 but didn't buy it.

I don't think I'd plan on getting one in rimfire and converting it. Get a centerfire one. Actually I'd hold out for one originally chambered that way.

Mine shot most loads into 0.4" to 0.8". Some better some a tad worse. It hated Barnes bullets but then I've never owned a gun that didn't. They are as sweet as you think, even more so maybe. You will love them.

PeterF. · « **Reply #3 on:** November 21, 2005, 06:50:05 AM »

Like Graybeard says, Browning made the LoWall in .243, as well as .223 and .22 Hornet. I've got a 1995 Browning catalog in front of me that lists all 3 of those. Browning may have made them in other calibers in following years, and Winchester has been selling the same (Miroku-made) gun in various calibers more recently (but not .243 as far as I know).
Bear in mind that the .45LC and other pistol-caliber versions (maybe 30-30 too)are the so-called "Traditional Hunter" version ... straight stock, non-gloss finish, crescent butt plate, iron sights. The .243 is the opposite (that is, pistol-grip stock, shiny finish, regular butt, no sights). I had a .223; nice gun, appreciably lighter and easier to handle than the 1885 HiWall or B-78. Traded it and, as usual, regret it.

Graybeard · « **Reply #4 on:** November 21, 2005, 10:01:24 AM »

The .260 and also a 7-08 version were made in VERY limited numbers. I have no clue how many but I've seen a grand total of ONE EACH of them. The wood on both was just unbelieveable. Looked like exhibition grade. The prices asked for them were commensurate. I sure wanted one but not THAT bad.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 21, 2005, 02:14:57 PM »

Tentman,
Keep checking the online gun auction sites, such as GunsAmerica. I wouldn't fool with making one up, as it will only cost you more, and be worth less should you ever sell it. Wait for the real thing!
As for curing your itch for an old looking rifle, I wont even try! Nothing we could say will discourage you, and once you've owned one you'll forever want more! :wink:

Tentman · « **Reply #6 on:** November 21, 2005, 10:08:00 PM »

Hey Thanks Guys

Now you won't believe this but I just lucked onto a Low Wall 243, NIB unfired, located in Canada, had been advertised since July (yes July, thanks Google) and have followed it up sucessfully. I have an export agent arranged, now all I have to do is find a dealer to recieve and ship it to the Export Agent and I'm in business.

It'll sit real nice beside my old Martinis in the rack, but it won't be NIB for very long, it's going to be the goto hunting rifle for many years to come. I'll have to put it at the opposite end to the old BSA Hunter 7x57 or she'll get jealous of all the trips the new girl is getting, and fall over on it or something !!

Cheers - Foster

KENTDEP · « **Reply #7 on:** November 25, 2005, 01:18:52 AM »

Congratulations on your find Tentman,

I have a low-wall in .22 hornet and I love it. I too would like to find a .243 when I am laiden with extra cash too.

Enjoy,

JC