Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact
NitroExpress.com: Browning M1885, help?

View recent messages : 24 hours | 48 hours | 7 days | 14 days | 30 days | 60 days | More Smilies


*** Enjoy NitroExpress.com? Participate and join in. ***
You are not logged in. [Login] Main Index · Search · Active Topics
New user · Who's Online · FAQ · Calendar

Double Rifles, Single Shots & Combinations >> Single Shots & Combination Guns
Previous topic Previous   View all topics Index   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Pages: 1
Tatume
.400 member


Reged: 09/06/07
Posts: 1091
Loc: Gloucester, Va USA
Browning M1885, help?
      #118448 - 07/11/08 03:55 AM

Hello Folks,

I’m hoping there are some experts on M1885 rifles here. If so, please take a few minutes to help me with mine.

I have a Browning 1885 Hi Wall in 30-06, of which I would like to make better use. It has a 28” octagonal barrel that is fairly thin. The gun has a Leupold FX II 4x scope in Browning rings and bases, and no iron sights. I am the original owner, for about 15 years or so.

There are a couple of issues with the rifle. First and foremost, accuracy is part time. Sometimes it shoots well, other times not. Everything is tight (scope mounts, stock, etc.). Is there some reason you know of that would explain this?

Another fault (IMO) is the stock finish. It is the typical Browning plastic coating that looks like it was dipped in melted Plexiglas. If I could get the gun to shoot consistently well, then I would want to “fix” the stock. The question is, should I try to refinish it or just have the gun re-stocked? Who would you recommend to refinish or re-stock the rifle, for a price a working man could afford?

Is there a practical way to add sights to the thin barrel?

Finally, there is the forearm hanger. The attachment is anything but solid. If the forearm is squeezed it moves easily until it contacts the barrel. Can (or should) this be corrected?

Thank you, Tom

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Glenn_Fewless
.300 member


Reged: 08/05/08
Posts: 103
Loc: Wisconsin, USA
Re: Browning M1885, help? [Re: Tatume]
      #118452 - 07/11/08 05:13 AM

Mr. Tatume:

I am familiar with the Browning 1885 in its BPCR configuration, which does not have the hanger. It is my understanding that the hanger supports the ejection mechanism, and from your description also supports the forearm wood, ala the Ruger #1.

One can only guess at the source of the accuracy issues, but the first place I would look is at the forearm wood. Generally speaking, with a two piece stock you don't want the forearm to touch both the action and the barrel. Target rifles are built with the wood firmly bedded to the barrel and with a very slight gap between the wood and the action face. .010" is plenty. The "part time" free floating of your barrel certainly is not going to help accuracy, especially with a light barrel.

It might be worth examine the system to see if it is possible to bed the wood to the barrel and free float the hanger.


The barrel sight problem can be solved easily enough with a sight base mated to the octagon barrel, an express sight island like is seen on British stalking rifles. Have a look at the offering of NECG to get an idea. A ramped front sight could be fit the same way.

I have recently read that a product called Citri-Strip will safely remove polyurethane and epoxy finishes and is available in home improvement stores. Perhaps the refinish is something you might tackle yourself.

Glenn

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Tatume
.400 member


Reged: 09/06/07
Posts: 1091
Loc: Gloucester, Va USA
Re: Browning M1885, help? [Re: Glenn_Fewless]
      #118462 - 07/11/08 09:08 AM

Thank you Glenn. Take care, Tom

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
x5g8
.224 member


Reged: 28/10/08
Posts: 18
Loc: arizona
Re: Browning M1885, help? [Re: Tatume]
      #118558 - 08/11/08 03:12 PM

I would definitely advise refinish ing it yourself, if possible.

--------------------
A .45 and seven inches of cold, hard steel.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Tatume
.400 member


Reged: 09/06/07
Posts: 1091
Loc: Gloucester, Va USA
Re: Browning M1885, help? [Re: x5g8]
      #118923 - 15/11/08 11:49 PM

Hello Folks,

It's been a couple of years since I've fired this rifle, and yesterday I took it to the range. The last time I shot it I used the 175 gr Sierra Matchking loaded with # 4895, and I still had some of this ammo. The first two shots were encouraging, but the third was two inches low. I put the gun down and engaged a fellow in conversation. When I resumed shooting the same thing happened. At this point I decided to let the gun cool, and then I fired another shot on the previous target. It went right into the first two shots. So, it looks like a typical barrel warming problem. To confirm, I fired four shots, let the gun cool, and fired four more, The pattern gave perfect agreement. The first two went together, as did the second two. After 20 minutes of cooling, the next two made a four-shot group of about 1.5 inches, and the last two shots made a four-shot group of about 1.3 inches, two inches below.

At this point I was out of ammo. My plan is to load another batch and fire some groups, allowing five minutes between shots. Then, if the guns shoots nice groups, I'll (try to) be satisfied. It's a hunting gun, and shouldn't be called upon to deliver more than two shots in succession.

I still think I may want to shorten the barrel to 22 inches, add sights, and refinished the stock, with the addition of a spacer to bring the LOP to 14.5 inches. If I take on this project I'll let you know how it goes.

Take care, Tom

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
mete
.224 member


Reged: 30/12/08
Posts: 9
Loc: NY
Re: Browning M1885, help? [Re: Tatume]
      #122663 - 31/12/08 03:42 AM

I have the standard Browning 1885 in 45-70. I wanted a rifle that was shorter and lighter for woods hunting. I cut the barrel to 22" [no real velocity loss for the 45-70] ,added a 1x4 scope, reblued with 400 grit matt finish,and cut the gloss finish on the wood for a matt finish.
I couldn't be happier. Length of under 37". total weight 8.5 lbs. Perfect for NY deer hunting !!

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Tatume
.400 member


Reged: 09/06/07
Posts: 1091
Loc: Gloucester, Va USA
Re: Browning M1885, help? [Re: mete]
      #122665 - 31/12/08 05:31 AM

Quote:

I cut the barrel to 22" [no real velocity loss for the 45-70], added a 1x4 scope, reblued with 400 grit matt finish, and cut the gloss finish on the wood for a matt finish.



Thank you. That sounds like a really fine rifle. Would you care to post a few pictures?

Thanks, Tom

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
mete
.224 member


Reged: 30/12/08
Posts: 9
Loc: NY
Re: Browning M1885, help? [Re: Tatume]
      #122719 - 01/01/09 01:05 AM

Here are the photos. The dealer made sure I got the best of the stocks available !! The flat receiver begs for engraving .I chose appropriate subjects and engraved it [ a very tough steel ]. A bison and I found an old American eagle drawing.....Trying to figure out how to post photos here...In the meantime they are posted on www.hunt101.com under 'Deer and Big Game Rifles' as Browning 1885 mods.

Edited by mete (01/01/09 05:54 AM)

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Pages: 1


Previous topic Previous   View all topics Index   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Extra information
0 registered and 49 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:  Huvius 

Print Topic

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled

Rating:
Topic views: 4082

Rate this topic

Jump to

Contact Us NitroExpress.com

Powered by UBB.threads™ 6.5.5


Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact


Copyright 2003 to 2011 - all rights reserved