Browning 1885's discontinued??

24 October 2002, 10:56

I just today noticed that the Model 1885 rifles are no longer shown on Browning's web site. Has Browning discontinued them?
(If I've been asleep on another planet, then please don't flame me about this. Just an honest question.)

Thanks,
-Bob F.

24 October 2002, 16:02

<bearlake>

I seen that also. I have been wanting to get one for years. I think they are the best looking firearm out there. I hope they still make them.

25 October 2002, 03:36

GeorgeS

Maybe Japan decided we had 'enough' guns here in the U.S., and wouldn't produce anymore for Browning to sell under its marque.

George

25 October 2002, 03:50

Mulerider

You can buy mine...it's listed in the classified section. HiWall 45-70.
Thanks!

25 October 2002, 04:02

cowboy77845

My dealer says they have been discontinued for sometime and that the distributers are out. I wanted a 270 and finally located a used one. It shoots real good. I'd like to have one in 25-06 at a reasonable price. Looks like if I want one , I will have to go unreasonable. Gunbroker.com has a few, but the prices are outrageous.

25 October 2002, 06:23

mete

It's a matter of demand.Even when I bought mine 8 years ago they only made them every other year.Its hard to convince people that one well placed round is all you need ,especially in 45-70.I think it's an ideal round for deer or bear here in the catskill mountains of NY. No ,I will never sell it.

25 October 2002, 08:37

JohnTheGreek

What a sad day! I have a model 78 in .45-70 complete with steel crescent buttplate and open sights and love the weapon. It truly is a shame that JMB's first patent is technically no longer in production. If Browning were still owned by the Brownings this would never have happened!

JohnTheGreek

25 October 2002, 13:11

mete

GOOD NEWS!! Just saw the new Gun Digest 2003.They list high wall, low wall ,different models and different cartridges for the Browning 1885 !!Buy one you will love it.

26 October 2002, 03:25

BFaucett

Thanks everyone for your replies. I've got a Browning 1885 in .45-70. I'm going to hang onto it now!

-Bob F.

[ 10-25-2002, 18:28: Message edited by: BFaucett ]

26 October 2002, 06:39

<TL in OR>

Regarding the Browning 1885's, my understanding is that they will eventually reintroduce them under the Winchester/USRA banner. Browning and Winchester are owned by the same parent company, and other "classic" designs that were initially reissued by Browning have been moved to the Winchester catalog, albeit for limited runs. Recently, Winchester offered a Low Wall 1885 in .22LR, and these were made in Japan by Miroku, same as the Browning-marketed 1885's. I suppose it's all part of their marketing strategy, and they want the pipeline to be clear of all the Brownings before the new ones are offered. Having said that, who knows what calibers and/or variations they'll offer in the future, or even if they'll change their minds and not offer it at all? If you find a Browning in the right flavor at the right price, get it while you can. Hope this helps.............TL

28 October 2002, 12:38

<CatShooter>

quote:
Originally posted by mete:
GOOD NEWS!! Just saw the new Gun Digest 2003.They list high wall, low wall ,different models and different cartridges for the Browning 1885 !!Buy one you will love it.

Mete...

Do you know if they are going to make the BPCR version??

CatShooter

28 October 2002, 13:42

cowboy77845

Guns and Ammo 2003 Annual has them listed also, to include the BPCR. I notice there is no 25-06 in this one either. Has anyone called Browning and asked?? I went back and beat my dealer about the head and shoulders (figuratively). She say she has had no advance note about any reissue.

29 October 2002, 07:20

<TL in OR>

Keep in mind that the annual publications such as Gun Digest and the G&A Annual have a pretty generous lead time as far as gathering information for their publication. They are a good general guide, but can't really be relied upon for the most up-to-date information. The 2003 Gun Digest is already on the shelves and has been for a few months, yet many items that will be in manufacturers' 2003 catalogs won't be found in Gun Digest until the next issue (2004). Most new items will be introduced either next month at the NASGW show (new product show for wholesalers), or in February at the SHOT Show (new product show for dealers). Some rumors floating around already are that Winchester 94's will change from the crossbolt safety to a tang safety (similar to those found on recent 1886's and 1895's), and that 94's in .480 Ruger will become a reality. Winchester will announce two new cartridges - 22 WSSM and 243 WSSM (Winchester Super Short Magnum), and Browning is re-releasing the classic Model 81 BLR with the straight grip, barrel band, and aluminum receiver, offering all the standard calibers they have done the last few years and adding the 358 Winchester and 450 Marlin. I haven't heard anything definitive yet on the 1885's, but if I do I'll try to post it here. Hope this helps............TL

29 October 2002, 09:39

Rich Anderson

These guns are out of production. I have searched high and low for one in any deer suitable calibre. I had a line on one from one of the posters on this board but when I got back from Wyoming he had traded it off. He was asking $875. I hope Winchester brings them back.

29 October 2002, 10:40

cowboy77845

Gunbroker.com has a 270 for 1200+ and a 25-06 Commemorative for some reserved price I never got to. There is also one or 2 on gunsamerica.com. But the prices run from reasonable to ridiculous. I saw a 270 on the internet for 750 a couple of weeks ago. That is the lest expensive one I've seen.

30 October 2002, 09:29

larrys

You mean I finally did something right by keeping my Browning 1885 Highwall in 30-06? This may be a first! I usually sell all the guns just before they go way up, like the Glock 17L for $350 or the HK91 for $900 with the scope mount, or the Colt original CAR15 with the colapsible stock for $650. It was so bad for a while that all my buddies were calling weekly to see what I was selling so they would know what was going to go up in price next. I almost sold the Highwall a few weeks ago.