Author Topic: Scope problems on Browning 1885 (Read 2160 times)

parkinsonsd · « **on:** March 07, 2003, 06:01:06 AM »

My uncle bought a Highwall and put a scope on it, then told me he had problems manipulating the hammer because the scope got in the way. His solution, to my chagrin, was to get rid of the gun.

Has any one else had a problem mounting a scope on the Browning High wall, and if so, what was the problem, and what, if any, was the solution.

I'm asking because lil' ole me gets to go on a elk hunt next year and am getting outfitted right now.

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** March 07, 2003, 11:37:22 AM »

The Browning Model 1885 High Wall and Low Wall both have the same problem. If you have the scope mounted in rings that are too low or if you push the scope too far back there is limited room to manipulate the hammer. The best solution is a combination of things.

Get a scope with long eye relief so you don't have to pull it as far to the rear. If you can keep the ocular lens forward of the hammer the problem is solved. Use high base or rings. This puts the scope's ocular lens high enough to get you finger to the hammer.

What isn't an option is a hammer spur. The hammer completely disappears into the frame so that rules out the use of a spur.

GB

EDG · « **Reply #2 on:** March 07, 2003, 04:37:37 PM »

I have a set of medium rings on my rifle. In this case medium is .750 from the center of the ring to the top of the mount base. I think the rings were made by Burris but were marketed by Browning. The scope has a long tube so that much of the eye piece is behind the hammer. With rings of this height and the hammer below the angled surface of the eye piece I have enough room to operate the hammer.
Ed

Brian in Oregon · « **Reply #3 on:** March 08, 2003, 08:35:36 PM »

I use high rings on my 1885 High Walls, and am using mostly Leupold 6.5-20x 40mmAO scopes. It's a tight fit to get my thumb on the hammer, but I can do it. I doubt I could do it with low rings and it's iffy for medium rings.

PeterF. · « **Reply #4 on:** March 10, 2003, 06:00:46 AM »

Scope clearance IS a problem, as noted. Bases come in various heights, as do rings. Assuming your gun has the bases, you're better off (cheaper, anyway) to get higher rings. Also, the rear lens "thingy" (that's a technical term) is bigger on some scopes than others; and some adjustables have a big knob-like protrusion that can be a problem ... others are slimmer. Before you go too far, it's good to read the detailed measurements of the various scopes. On my Lo Wall, the medium base and medium rings nicely clear a Leupold Vari-X II in 3x9. The wrong set-up could cause you problems up-front too, if your scope has a big objective lens. Using gloves can be another issue as far as hammer clearance goes.