Very Nice Browning Miroku Model 1886 .45-70 Gov't Lever Action Rifle 1986
Our Assessment: This a Browning model 1886, a reproduction of the original Winchester which was, ironically, designed by John Browning. The 1886 followed up the 1876, providing a much stronger action which was able to withstand larger and more powerful cartridges such as the .45-70, the issue rifle cartridge of the U.S. Army at the time. The design would later be shrunk for the model 1892. This modern reproduction has the same action and was produced as a limited edition for the centennial of the 1886 in 1986 with only 7,000 Grade I rifles made and an additional 3,000 High Grade rifles. This one has certainly been shot but has also been well cared for, in Fine condition. With its 26? octagonal barrel and .45-70 chambering, this would make a nice hunting rifle that could take just about any game in North America, though it's a bit heavy for taking it on a long stalk and in such high condition, it will likely see interest from both Browning and Winchester collectors. If you're looking for a .45-70 lever gun, you can't do much better than this. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Made by Miroku for Browning
Model: 1886, Limited edition Grade 1
Serial Number: 02713PT197
Year of Manufacture: 1986 (PT date code)
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked "BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN" and ".45-70 GOVT". The right shoulder of the barrel is marked "NP"and "BROWNING MODEL 1886 CALIBER .45-70 GOVT". The top tang is marked "BROWNING MODEL 1886", the right of the receiver is marked with the serial number under the loading gate.
Barrel Length: 26", Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up elevator sight with a U-notch glider that graduates from 0-20 in the up position, in the down position, the sight is a fixed U-notch. The rear sight is dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. A peep sight is equipped to the upper tang from which the peep aperture is missing. The fron screw is also missing from the sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and blued steel crescent buttplate. There is a sling swivel in the belly and one banded to the magazine tube. The stocks have scattered minor compressions, draglines, and light handling marks. There are some notable scratches on the left side of the wrist. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has no notable wear or damage. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is thinning on the leading edges of the receiver, around the muzzle, on the loading gate, and on the inside of the lever loop. The screw heads are sharp, the front screw from the tang sight is missing. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The lever lock-up is tight and the trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGALITY: CA DEALER Transferable: YES, CA PPT: YES.
RIFLE