Some Browning B78 High Wall pics & related data...

[BrnoB78]

Note, I'm unsure of the overall accuracy of the following data - compiled from numerous websites. Also, further enlarging the relatively small sized internet sourced pics unfortunately results in the images being slightly distorted.

Browning 1885 /B78 High Wall – some historical facts.
The Browning Model 1878 Standard rifle was John M. Browning's first commercial rifle design and it was produced by the Browning Brothers from 1878-1883. John sold the production and distribution rights to Winchester in 1883, which began a long and successful relationship between Browning and Winchester.

In 1973 Browning had Miroku in Japan tool up for a single shot rifle they called the Model B-78, which they produced from 1973 to 1982. It was initially offered in .22- 250 Rem, 6 mm Rem, .25-06, and .30-06. The .243 Win and 7mm Rem Mag were later added to the standard rifle line. It’s basically a modern version of the John Browning designed classic, widely regarded as the strongest and best of the American single-shot rifles. It is a very simple yet elegant looking rifle featuring a pistol gripped Monte Carlo style stock, with either a round or octagonal 26 or 28” heavy weight barrel.

When the ‘S’-shaped under lever is operated the exposed rebounding hammer travels down with the block and automatically comes to full cock on the upward motion of the lever. The linked automatic ejector can be user set to throw the empty case out to the right or left, or extracted for convenient removal by hand.

The walnut fore-end doesn’t attach to the barrel, rather to a separate fore-end hanger which is pinned to the receiver and projects 6-1/2 inches forward under the barrel. The fore-end hanger does double duty as a forward anchor for the ejector hammer sear, a part of the automatic ejector system on the rifle. When the block is drawn down the mortises cut in each side of the receiver, the extractor, which is pinned to the lever, has a purchase under the case rim. When the top of the block drops far enough to clear the fired case in the chamber, the ejector sear is tripped, releasing the ejector hammer so it is powered rearward. It in turn snaps the extractor rearward, propelling the fired case back.

Located at the extreme rear of the receiver, behind the hammer, is a piece called the deflector which has a raised rim along one-fourth of its edge. With the raised rim positioned crosswise to the chamber, the head of the ejected case will hit it and the case will stop and lie exposed in the action - perfect for the bench shooter or reloader who doesn't want his cases tossed out on the ground. However, the deflector can be rotated left or right, positioning the raised edge at a 45-degree angle to the line of the bore. When on the left it deflects the case to the right where it's thrown clear of the action and when positioned on the right it deflects the ejected case to the left, thus accommodating both right and left-handed shooters.

This classic design allows a very short, compact action. Compared to shooting a modern bolt gun, using a falling block is a very different experience. It seems old-fashioned, but in a reassuring kind of way. The pace is slower, and there is something calm and purposeful about working the smooth under-lever and loading the case by hand. You “work” a bolt gun… but you “caress” a falling block.

The modern Browning Model 1885 High Wall, produced from 1985-2001, is descended from its immediate predecessor, and is arguably regarded as an “improved” version of the Browning B-78. The most obvious differences are the straight gripped traditional stock (not Monte Carlo styled) and the trigger’s housing and assembly. The B-78’s more complicated assembly has numerous small parts – 21 components compared to the 1885’s 12 pieces (including the receiver retaining pin). The B-78’s hammer can be thumb lowered past the ½ cock step, resulting in the hammer resting against the firing pin. In normal operation, the 1885 hammer can only be thumb lowered to the ½ cock position. No doubt this was implemented as a safety improvement for the 1885. The redesign accordingly reduced the number of trigger assembly parts and added a hammer sear and a hammer sear spring. In actual operation the 1885 hammer sear is an inertial sear, making it just about impossible for the hammer to be in a fired position (resting against the firing pin) without intentionally firing the rifle. Therefore, from purely a safety point of view the 1885 in an improvement. But, as a result, the hammer sear spring became the most likely part to break or cause problems, which is a plus in favour of the older B-78.

For further data about the 1885’s available calibers & various models etc, refer; http://www.oocities.org/capecanaveral/1 ... 5/1885.htm

Note, I've heard several people complain about the trigger on the Browning B78 High Wall. Mine initially had a little bit of free play, followed by a noticeable creep during which there was an annoying build up of tension before the hammer finally dropped. I was not content to consciously feel and think through the various stages of the trigger's movement. Hence, I sort the services of a competent / knowledgeable Gunsmith (Rob Spittles, at Mudgee) who, after some fiddling & filing etc has lightened the trigger down to a crisp two pound pull, minus the creep and progressive tension.

Further, I found the original case extraction lever to be overly forceful - resulting in a very audible noise as it snapped open prior to loading (a sure way of scaring off nearby game), and flinging the case hard against the adjustable case guide behind the falling block. A very simple fix - unscrew the forearm, lower the lever and carefully dismantle the rather simple spring operated ejector assembly. Replace the original somewhat firm spring with one which has less tension, then re-assemble. Easy !

Unlike the contemporary 1885 model, the B78's barrel is NOT floated. Another easy fix - unscrew the forearm and carefully sand down the channel. When you're happy with the clearance, seal the sanded channel and add a thin flat metal spacer between the channel and the forearm's separate hanger.

I don't like the 1885 High Wall's straight grip stock and the fact that the .243 Win was only available in the Low Wall version. Thus the reason for buying the older B78 High Wall version - complete with a pistol grip Monte Carlo style stock with a raised cheek rest and a 26 inch round heavy barrel.

For consideration, I usually use a ‘Bore Snake’ for cleaning the barrel whilst away on extended hunting trips. Thereafter, a bore guide’s arguably useful when using a cleaning rod but they aren’t readily available for such a unique rifle. Solution, I simply drilled out the primer pocket of a spent shell such that the various cleaning brushes snugly pass through when the improvised ‘bore guide’ is chambered. Easy.

In short, the B78's a magnificent rifle, beautifully designed and constructed - with the mentioned minor modifications it is now such a pleasure to shoot.

[Branxhunter]

Beautiful.

Here are a few of the pics I have.

Marcus

[BrnoB78]

Branxhunter, what can I say.....talk about a truly classic, beautiful and finely constructed firearm.

I nearly cried recently when mine unexpectedly slipped off my Cruiser's dew covered bonnet. It was parked on a slight slope and in the process of hitting the ground the extended legs of the Harris bi-pod applied leverage force to the forearm's attachment stud, thus snapping off the last couple of inches. Definitely NOT a happy B78 owner.

[Camel]

Bloody single shot lever guns, haven't you blokes ever heard of a repeater. Oh yeah, then invented this new stuff as well, its called smokeless powder.

[BrnoB78]

Camel, in addition to being keenly attracted by the B78's unique lever activated falling block action I really favour the challenge of consciously knowing that I only have one round readily available to humanely dispatch selected prey. Accordingly, I'm a lot more premeditated with my stalking skills when 'walkabout' hunting and definitely more careful with shot placement. However, in the event of ever having a close encounter with a mob of cantankerous feral pigs then I would dearly love my B78 to miraculously turn into something like a 7-08 Rem Browning BLR !!