Long Range 1885 Browning Project

[Cedarcreek]

I am interested in building a 1000 yard rifle from an 1885 Browning or other action that handles modern Centerfire cartridges. This rifle would be used for casual target shooting and maybe play around with some light competition and possibly some tactical shooting. My thought is to take a 1885 Browning (or other) action and
re-barrel and change the stock around with an F Class style stock.Caliber selection would be in the 6.5 family.

Barrel length would probably be 26-28". Trying to decide between between Octagon or Round, I would prefer Octagon for appearance, but limited to manufacturers. I am currently considering barrels from Badger(Octagon), Shilen (Round), Douglass (Octagon). I am open to other recommendations for selecting a barrel.

I have a few questions that some of you may be able to help me with. Here goes:

Stock manufacturers that may make stock designs for 1885's suitable for long range prone shooting?

Barrel manufacturer choice? Why?

Octagon or Round? Why?

Other 1885 actions (than Browning) that can handle the modern centerfire cartridges?

Gunsmiths that can improve Browning Action and Triggers?

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Most of my shooting buddies think this is somewhat of an odd project but I think that is what keeps it fun.

Thanks in advance! 8)

 

[TonyR]

There has been some discussion on Benchrest Central about the Ruger #1 which may be applicable to your project:

http://benchrest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66624&highlight=beggs&page=2

Also, some of the Gene Beggs Ultralite stock ideas might work with your action:

http://benchrest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60998&highlight=beggs

Good luck.

 

[cmillard]

check out c.sharps arms for receivers. they make the best. as far as barrels, i would go with badger--they tend to use a little harder metal and i have read of really long barrel life. c.sharps offers the 1885 in anything from .22lr and up in caliber. i would go with a round barrel--not for anything functional but i just like the looks better.

 

[lelongcarabine]

Heres another possibility? Ron Long was part of this company for a long time. I dont remember if he was the Founder? Complete rifles are available as well as parts for the new and old rifles, including the 1885 Winchester. Your search for an 1885 Browning as a basis for a custom rifle would include the purchase of a used firearm to strip, I imagine. Have you located a candidate? I do know that C.Sharps Arms used to sell receivers, in the white, to gunsmiths. Anyway, here is the link I told you about with some pictures to make you drool, they do that to me ;D. Greg
http://www.ballardarms.com/showcase.shtml

 

[Cedarcreek]

lelongcarabine- The C Sharps to my understanding only makes actions that handle the Rimmed cartridges. I had considered them early on.

A couple of advantages that the Browning Miroku has over other 1885 manufacturers to my knowledge is the Drawbolt for mounting the buttstock on instead of the tangs. Also Miroku installed a heavy forearm mounting bracket that allows the forearm to be free floated. Both features appeal to me from an accuracy and reliability point of view.

I found a book that is offered by www.texas-mac.com, that describes how to modify the Miroku's. It is completely about Browning Miroku 1885 Highwall BCPR, but also talks in general about the regular Browning Highwalls. I have a copy on order, it will be interesting to see what can be done with one.

I am waiting to see about the American Arms Company (McGowen), 1885, they are supposed to be bringing an action out that will be capable to handle 30/06 pressures. They are reasonably priced for their Barreled actions. I would prefer just to buy the action and get my own barrel installed. I am unsure of the McGowen Barrels, no experience on my part with them. I ma hoping when they come out with them that they will offer the action by itself.

 

[lelongcarabine]

Thanks for the resource on the Japan 1885! I have the BPCR and have not tore into it as yet. This book sounds like it provides some good guidelines, especially for the terrible lawyer friendly trigger! Greg

 

[watercam]

That's a project I would try, hope it works out. You can choose any barrel you wish (Krieger, Bartlein, Brux, etc.) have it cut into an octagon. There are several folks out there performing this service. Might be more rigid, who knows. One would think a barrel turned on a lathe would vibrate more consistently but I would love to see a buffalo rifle on the Long Range line.

 

[Cedarcreek]

Anyone have experience with Lilja barrels, I have heard they are making Octagon barrels.

watercam- I agree with your thoughts on the buffalo rifle on the line, I think that would be too COOL!

lelongcarabine- have you taken the buttstock of the BPCR? Does it have a drawbolt and tangs or just tangs? If it has the drawbolt and tangs I can use that action as well. My High walls and Low walls do not have the tangs just the drawbolt.

 

[lelongcarabine]

The BPCR has draw bolt only. There is a modfication to the sear engagement, that I am aware of, that installs under the draw bolt. This requires a possible adjustment in the length of the draw bolt thread engagement. It is a 7MM thread, if I remember correctly and has a small dog turned on the end. It is made from a metric allen set screw of the correct thread pitch(same as the draw bolt). I have not done this mod as yet. Have been engaged in other projects and would like to research it more before I dive in. The BPCR, that I was able to get, is a VERY NICE rifle. I only wish I could mount some period optics(with modern lenses and reticle, of course) on it as I cant see the irons and proper sight picture very well. Greg

 

[Kenny474]

What about EABCO's falling blocks? I know they make some nice stuff, though I have never seen one in person. The 97d looks to be a nice action. And they also have their own 6.5mm BRM cartridge that is said to be very accurate. If I was looking for a falling block, I would definitely consider one of their rifles.

http://www.eabco.com/97ref.html
http://www.eabco.com/6.5mmBRM.pdf

You are a little limited as it is a small action, but their BRM cartridges seem to work well.

 

[Varminator]

Check out this Browning. One of the few really collectable customs.
http://www.accurateshooter.com/forum/index.php/topic,3723355.msg35823962.html#msg35823962

><MM>

 

[Cedarcreek]

Varminator- Thats what I am taking about. That is one sweet rifle.

I have been shooting my Ruger #1 25/06 this afternoon, from prone off of a Bipod and it is sweet. Much easier than the Bolt Guns for me. The single shot stock designs fit me so much better. I can't wait to start my 1885 project, just waiting for a good action to work with.

 

[TonyR]

Cedarcreek.
Here is a link to the Gene Beggs experiments I refered to in a previous reply.
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2010/04/skeleton-rifles-220-beggs-and-secrets-of-the-west-texas-tunnel/

 

[500 meter ram]

I've used several Lilja barrels with excellent results. Don't know about octagon though

 

[wapiti25]

The Browning B78 Was offered in .473 rimless cartridges but needs a lot of trigger work. Canjar offered triggers for that gun at on time.

 

[COLT45SA]

I am interested in building a 1000 yard rifle from an 1885 Browning or other action that handles modern Centerfire cartridges. This rifle would be used for casual target shooting and maybe play around with some light competition and possibly some tactical shooting. My thought is to take a 1885 Browning (or other) action and
re-barrel and change the stock around with an F Class style stock.Caliber selection would be in the 6.5 family.

Barrel length would probably be 26-28". Trying to decide between between Octagon or Round, I would prefer Octagon for appearance, but limited to manufacturers. I am currently considering barrels from Badger(Octagon), Shilen (Round), Douglass (Octagon). I am open to other recommendations for selecting a barrel.

I have a few questions that some of you may be able to help me with. Here goes:

Stock manufacturers that may make stock designs for 1885's suitable for long range prone shooting?

Barrel manufacturer choice? Why?

Octagon or Round? Why?

Other 1885 actions (than Browning) that can handle the modern centerfire cartridges?

Gunsmiths that can improve Browning Action and Triggers?

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Most of my shooting buddies think this is somewhat of an odd project but I think that is what keeps it fun.

Thanks in advance! 8)

6.5 popularity is giving way to the 6mm Grendel, and I see that getting overshadowed by the 6mm ARC as soon at cartridge and brass availability become more available.
I'd choose Octagon for appearance sake.

 

[wboggs]

I am interested in building a 1000 yard rifle from an 1885 Browning or other action that handles modern Centerfire cartridges. This rifle would be used for casual target shooting and maybe play around with some light competition and possibly some tactical shooting. My thought is to take a 1885 Browning (or other) action and
re-barrel and change the stock around with an F Class style stock.Caliber selection would be in the 6.5 family.

Barrel length would probably be 26-28". Trying to decide between between Octagon or Round, I would prefer Octagon for appearance, but limited to manufacturers. I am currently considering barrels from Badger(Octagon), Shilen (Round), Douglass (Octagon). I am open to other recommendations for selecting a barrel.

I have a few questions that some of you may be able to help me with. Here goes:

Stock manufacturers that may make stock designs for 1885's suitable for long range prone shooting?

Barrel manufacturer choice? Why?

Octagon or Round? Why?

Other 1885 actions (than Browning) that can handle the modern centerfire cartridges?

Gunsmiths that can improve Browning Action and Triggers?

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Most of my shooting buddies think this is somewhat of an odd project but I think that is what keeps it fun.

Thanks in advance! 8)

The Browning needs a new trigger, not just trigger work.
I shot one for years and the trigger was the only bad feature. I had mine "worked on" by some of the best in the business. It was prone to ADs if it was tolerable. If you can't solve that problem, go with another action.

 

[357Mag]

I am interested in building a 1000 yard rifle from an 1885 Browning or other action that handles modern Centerfire cartridges. This rifle would be used for casual target shooting and maybe play around with some light competition and possibly some tactical shooting. My thought is to take a 1885 Browning (or other) action and
re-barrel and change the stock around with an F Class style stock.Caliber selection would be in the 6.5 family.

Barrel length would probably be 26-28". Trying to decide between between Octagon or Round, I would prefer Octagon for appearance, but limited to manufacturers. I am currently considering barrels from Badger(Octagon), Shilen (Round), Douglass (Octagon). I am open to other recommendations for selecting a barrel.

I have a few questions that some of you may be able to help me with. Here goes:

Stock manufacturers that may make stock designs for 1885's suitable for long range prone shooting?

Barrel manufacturer choice? Why?

Octagon or Round? Why?

Other 1885 actions (than Browning) that can handle the modern centerfire cartridges?

Gunsmiths that can improve Browning Action and Triggers?

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Most of my shooting buddies think this is somewhat of an odd project but I think that is what keeps it fun.

Thanks in advance! 8)

Cedarcreek -

Howdy !

I'd imagine you'd be shooting this rifle using a bi-pod ?
Whatever action / barrel combo you go with, you'll want to prevent undesireable upward pressure being exerted on the barrel. This is a possibility when shooting a trraditional single shot ( falling block example ) that features a fore end attached to the barrel......from a bi-pod.

I have included pics of some potential methods to prevent undesireable force being exerted on the barrel.

One pic shows an aluminum adapter that surrounds the ( CVA example ) single-shot rifle's barrel.
The adapter is attached to the barrel utilizing the factory barrel's scope base mounting holes.
The adapter can then be attached to a quad rail ( exoskeleton ) that slips over the adapter,.
The assembly is integrated utilizing holes machined in the sides of the adapter, that match hole locations in the " exoskeleton ". See pics, below....

This method alows the bi-pod to mount to the quad rail 'skeleton, and not directly to the underside forend lug of the rifle barrel. My " adapter " was fashioned from an extruded aluminum tube that has 1" ID and
1 1/2" OD. The 1" ID accomodated the CVA"s barrel OD, and the adapter's 1 1/2" OD fit inside the round
central ID of the " quad rail ". My CVA' barrel has 5 scope base mount holes. * Considering the "slip fit " of the adapter over the barrel's straight chamber area, the barrelled action is technically " suspended " within the adapter....no matter how slight the clearances might be. Technically.

I also have included pics of the " mold-in-place " combo " barrel clamp / fwd bi-pod mount " that I made utilizing casting resin. The block locks the barrel to the magazine tube, for added rigidity. And again, this is one method of keeping undesired force from the bi-pod being directly entirely to the barrel. I have included pics of a group that I shot using this arrangement. The 2 bullet holes seen outside of the core 3-shot sub-group are my fault. Those were the last 2 shots I took, based on what I thought the wind flag was showing me. My fault fer sher, and not the gun's See pics, below.....






With regards,
357Mag

 

[357Mag]

I am interested in building a 1000 yard rifle from an 1885 Browning or other action that handles modern Centerfire cartridges. This rifle would be used for casual target shooting and maybe play around with some light competition and possibly some tactical shooting. My thought is to take a 1885 Browning (or other) action and
re-barrel and change the stock around with an F Class style stock.Caliber selection would be in the 6.5 family.

Barrel length would probably be 26-28". Trying to decide between between Octagon or Round, I would prefer Octagon for appearance, but limited to manufacturers. I am currently considering barrels from Badger(Octagon), Shilen (Round), Douglass (Octagon). I am open to other recommendations for selecting a barrel.

I have a few questions that some of you may be able to help me with. Here goes:

Stock manufacturers that may make stock designs for 1885's suitable for long range prone shooting?

Barrel manufacturer choice? Why?

Octagon or Round? Why?

Other 1885 actions (than Browning) that can handle the modern centerfire cartridges?

Gunsmiths that can improve Browning Action and Triggers?

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Most of my shooting buddies think this is somewhat of an odd project but I think that is what keeps it fun.

Thanks in advance! 8)

Cedarcreek -

OOOPs... forgot to mention.....

The second rifle pictured, that has the cast-in-place combo " barrel clock / bi-pod mount " is my
Marlin M-336 XLR .35 Remington ( from amongst thelast 2yr of their CT factory's production ).

.35 Remington has great potential for use as an " accuracy " cartridge, as for one thing..... potential powder choice " burn rates " lie squarely within the range of powders most often touted for use in short range
" benchrest " applications.

Great .358" calibre bullets are available, for instance Cutting Edge' superb .358" cal turned-brass 150gr
Extended Range " Raptor ".


With regards,
357Mag

 

[357Mag]

I am interested in building a 1000 yard rifle from an 1885 Browning or other action that handles modern Centerfire cartridges. This rifle would be used for casual target shooting and maybe play around with some light competition and possibly some tactical shooting. My thought is to take a 1885 Browning (or other) action and
re-barrel and change the stock around with an F Class style stock.Caliber selection would be in the 6.5 family.

Barrel length would probably be 26-28". Trying to decide between between Octagon or Round, I would prefer Octagon for appearance, but limited to manufacturers. I am currently considering barrels from Badger(Octagon), Shilen (Round), Douglass (Octagon). I am open to other recommendations for selecting a barrel.

I have a few questions that some of you may be able to help me with. Here goes:

Stock manufacturers that may make stock designs for 1885's suitable for long range prone shooting?

Barrel manufacturer choice? Why?

Octagon or Round? Why?

Other 1885 actions (than Browning) that can handle the modern centerfire cartridges?

Gunsmiths that can improve Browning Action and Triggers?

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Most of my shooting buddies think this is somewhat of an odd project but I think that is what keeps it fun.

Thanks in advance! 8)

Cedarcrrek -

Howdy !

Here's one pic of my XLR on a bench @ the range.

This pic does not include the rear bag.


With regards,
357Mag