Browning B-78?

D

dbuffington

New member
Hi Folks!

Back in the 70s and 80s, Browning did a re-release of the classic, single-shot Winchester 1885 called the B-78. They were very highly finished with well figured stocks, including a prominent cheek piece.

The “Blue Book of Gun Values” lists two B-78 models, a “B-78” and “B-78 Sporter”. However, other reference sources only list one model, the “B-78”.

Were there two versions? Or just one?

BTW … The Browning B-78 is different than the later Browning/Winchester 1885. That’s an entirely different story.

Thanks!
Dave
 
There was a re-reissue that I THINK is the B-78 Sporter.
It is mechanically the same as the B/W 1885 but relabeled to distinguish the modern calibers from the old ones.
 
In the 70's I bought two B-78's. One was as you described in 6MM, had a cheek-piece and a pistol grip stock, tapered octagon barrel. The most accurate rifle I have ever owned.

The other B-78 was in 45-70 and had a straight stock, no cheek-piece and had a very pronounced C-shaped butt plate, blued narrow steel, that was unpleasant to shoot with but the mildest loads. It had an untapered octagon barrel. Both guns had French Walnut stocks and were beautifully blued.

I do not remember references to the word "Sporter" in connection to them.
 
When Browning introduced the B78, it was called the B78 High Power Rifle, following the naming of other Browning High Power firearms (rifles and pistols). The B78 High Power Rifle had a tapered octagon barrel, Monte Carlo pistol grip stock, and a high-gloss finish. The B78 Sporer was the later production rifle, with a round barrel.
 
I bought all three versions, around 1975 - and all were merely B-78's.

One version was the 26" tapered octagon bbl model with no iron sights, M/C stock & cheekpiece. (Mine was .30-06)

Another was the 26" round bbl version with no sights & the same M/C buttstock. (Mine was a 6mm Rem)

The 3rd was the 24" straight octagon bbl with iron bbl sights in .45-70.

IMHO, Browning did the name an injustice by naming the 24" round bbl's 2010 B-78 "Sporter".

The 1970's B-78's innards were different than the later M-1885's - which were used & model stamped for ther 2010 B-78 Sporters.


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Back in the 70s and 80s, Browning did a re-release of the classic, single-shot Winchester 1885 called the B-78
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It is more made in the original look of the original Browning 78, not the WRA 1885. Brownings original 78 was a bit different than what Winchester made in the 1885.

Mine is the 273rd made when they came out with them in 1973, and it actually doesn't say B78 anywhere, it reads "Model 78" on the barrel. It is a round barrel chambered in 30-06 and has the Monte Carlo Stock with no sights, just provisions for a scope.

It is called the B78 though like Scorch said, if I remember right they made them from 1973-1982, not 100% sure on the end date.

Also as Petah said, the W/M 1885's are completely different inside.
 
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