browning high-wall price?

[44 Man]

Just looked at our local gun shop yesterday and they have a Browning high-wall (used) for $495.  This is an octagon barrel 45-70, probably about 24".  I have not tracked high-wall prices as I always considered them out of my price range but this seems very reasonable.  Any feedback on this?  Thanks, 44 Man

[iowa]

44 Man:  Depends on what you may want to do with this rifle.  From your brief description I would think this is a Traditional Hunter model, or possibly the older B-78 model..  Straight stock, as opposed to a pistol grip?  Anyway it is probally a decent price, but it is not the BPCR model, which has a half oct./round barrel designed for BP silhouette.  Does the one you looked at have a tang that would allow a tang sight?  If not it will be difficult to mount sights for distance work.  It would work well for some CAS events probally with the lighter 400 gr. range bullets and generally smokless powder, and distances to say 200yds.  It's not really designed to shoot 500+ gr, bullets and BP loads, as generally the twist in the barrel is different.  Although having said that I do know a couple guys that have pretty good success with the TH model in BP events.  The Browning 1885 models are generally fine guns.    Best regards Steve Witt

[Hairtrigger]

Unless it was drug behind a truck and ran over it is worth atleast $600

If you don't want it I would like a phone number of the shop that is selling it.
Clair is about 3 hours from me

[PeterF.]

Basic 1885 will have straight stock, glossy finish, rubber recoil pad, iron sights (no tang).  Traditional Hunter will have oil-finish stock, metal crescent butt plate, probably tang sight.  BPCR is as described above.
Trad Hunter and BPCR are usually priced higher.  Basic 1885 was made over a longer period and is not uncommon (most of their fancy "commemorative" editions were 1885s in 45-70; you'll see a lot of them ... at fairly high prices because of the engraving, etc.).   If the gun you're looking at is in good shape, that's a good price.  On the other hand, if you're hot for an 1885 in 45-70, that's the one caliber a few other makers (like Uberti) make a reproduction model in ... and they're usually cheaper than the Browning (take a look at GunsAmerica: do a "Search" under "all brands", using Keyword "1885").

[marlinman93]

Regardless of how you look at it, that's a great price! The Traditional Hunter, and BPCR are way higher, but even the standard model is a lot more money used.