Browning 1885

[jwv2001]

My story starts about a year ago. I went to a local gun show to see what they had to offer. The only thing I saw was a Browning 1885 in 22 Hornet. Never really ever paid much attention to these rifles, but this one caught my eye. There was no way I would buy a Hornet. So I started looking. Finally came across an 1885 in 223 Rem. Good-looking rifle that shot as good as it looked. I began to wonder why anyone would sell a rifle this nice. Lightning then struck twice when another 1885 .223 became available with nicer wood than the first. I couldn't resist, so I bought that one also. The only saving grace I have is that I have 2 sons and 2 grandsons that can potentially shoot two Browning 1885's really nice rifles. Both are at least MOA using the same hand loads. Learning to shoot them from a rest is a challenge for me because the forearm is so slim. I am rigging up a sand bag setup that will give me a steady rest,

 

[Toptom]

I have a new one from winchester. Love the little thing but the trigger was pretty bad. Pulled it out sent it to a guy known for trigger jobs on them. After I got it back it shoots tiny little groups with handloads.

 

[jwv2001]

I have a new one from winchester. Love the little thing but the trigger was pretty bad. Pulled it out sent it to a guy known for trigger jobs on them. After I got it back it shoots tiny little groups with handloads.

You have to be talking about Lee Shaver

 

[sacre]

You should have bought the Hornet!! One of my favorite rifles. 30grn bullet up 3000fps and not high pressure. Really blows up ground squirrels.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

Love these little guns!

 

[GWY]

Beautiful rifles!!! What's the barrel twist on the 223s?

 

[jwv2001]

Beautiful rifles!!! What's the barrel twist on the 223s?

Twist is 1 in 12

 

[Toptom]

You have to be talking about Lee Shaver

Yep that's exactly who it went to. Mine is in 222 remington

 

[TimS]

I sent Lee. B78 in 30-06 and a Brux blank. He sent me back a very accurate 6mm Rem AI with octagon 28” bbl. My favorite rifle.

 

[jwv2001]

Here is a look at the bench setup for my rifles. The forearm is about 1" wide on the rest and is round on the bottom. I had an old Hart rest with a top to accommodate a sand bag. I just put on an older Protector rabbit ear bag and now when I shoot on a bench everything is steady.

 

[DumpHollow]

Cudos for being a great grandfather and starting your grandson’s on single shot rifles.

Fred t.

 

[TMBRFRM]

The 1885s are my largest firearm weakness. I love them. I can not resist buying when I see one for sale that is in good shape. Too bad you didn't buy the 22 hornet.

 

[danny]

My story starts about a year ago. I went to a local gun show to see what they had to offer. The only thing I saw was a Browning 1885 in 22 Hornet. Never really ever paid much attention to these rifles, but this one caught my eye. There was no way I would buy a Hornet. So I started looking. Finally came across an 1885 in 223 Rem. Good-looking rifle that shot as good as it looked. I began to wonder why anyone would sell a rifle this nice. Lightning then struck twice when another 1885 .223 became available with nicer wood than the first. I couldn't resist, so I bought that one also. The only saving grace I have is that I have 2 sons and 2 grandsons that can potentially shoot two Browning 1885's really nice rifles. Both are at least MOA using the same hand loads. Learning to shoot them from a rest is a challenge for me because the forearm is so slim. I am rigging up a sand bag setup that will give me a steady rest,View attachment 1631086View attachment 1631087

You need to become one with the 22 Hornet

Danny

 

[Rick in Oregon]

My first 1885 High Wall was in .30-06 that I hunted muleys here with for about a decade in the early 80's. Sold it like a dumbass for some reason I don't recall now.

But....my 1885 Low Wall in 22 K-Hornet is a pet rifle that has accounted for countless rockchucks here using the old Nosler 45gr Solid Base bullet, now discontinued. I laid in 2K of them when I heard they were going the route of the dodo bird, sure glad I did.

When shooting it off the bench, I use my Sinclair All-Purpose front rest that can be adjusted for slim forends like the little Browning has, but it's one my of my pet walkabout rifles for chucks here.



I've posted this in the past, but targets don't lie, and this one shoots very well with only floating the forend and a trigger job from my local smith.



I still lust for another Browning Hi-Wall, and when one appears in a local shop, it's sure to find a new home here.

jvw: You're a fortunate guy to have found TWO nice ones locally! I should be so lucky.

 

[sacre]

For information, only changing the trigger spring will lower the trigger pull. Only requires pulling a pin, no disassembly beyond that. Don't need smith.

 

[Kittitas George]

I had a Win. in 223, great rifle. I now have a Win. in 17 HMR. Wonderful for gophers and sage rats. I wish my 17 Hornady Hornet, Ruger #1 was an 1885. Watch your downward 'cheek pressure' and keeping the rest towards the rear of the forearm has worked for me. There should be some sage rats out in the snow about now and SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!

 

[jwv2001]

For information, only changing the trigger spring will lower the trigger pull. Only requires pulling a pin, no disassembly beyond that. Don't need smith.

Well, that's what I thought. However, if you check out Lee Shaver's web page, he explains how he changes the geometry of the trigger sear along with a lighter trigger return spring to take my trigger from a 4 pound gritty pull to a crisp 20 oz. Day and night difference. And he did it for $50 which included shipping back to me. Great guy also.

 

[jwv2001]

You need to become one with the 22 Hornet

Danny

Danny, I know the Hornet has a very devoted fan base, but when I researched the components and found there was a big problem with supply. Brass mainly. Then I heard stories that the brass was hard to work with because it was flimsy.
I should have bought it anyway because I beat the guy down on the price to the point it was cheap. Then moved it on and made a few bucks. My real problem is, I don't sell guns.

 

[ISS]

Buy one of those things that looks like a picatinny rail and bolt it up. You can get them 3" wide and flat on the bottom.

 

[sacre]

Brass is a little touchy, but in a number of years loading a Hornet I've only lost a few cases. The "old, repeated, internet lore" is mostly that. Newer loading equipment helps and no need to size helps. I'm getting 7-10 loadings per case. Brass is available right now for $.50/case too. Bullets, have gone way up!