We believe that every serious gun collector should have at least one falling block rifle in his or her collection. This classic design allows a very short, compact action. Falling blocks can be extremely accurate. Remember that the finest, long-range target rifles of the 19th Century were falling blocks. And the more modern BSA Martini designs were very successful rimfire target rifles in their heydey.
Compared to shooting a semi-automatic rifle, or even 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.
Right now there is a very nice Browning B-78 High Wall falling block for sale in our Shooters’ Forum Classifieds. Chambered in 22-250, it features a full octagon barrel and superbly-figured wood. The seller reports this rifle: “Is in 99% condition [and] shoots under 1” at 100 yards with factory ammo.” The $1,100 asking price includes a 6-12×44 Simmons Aetec scope, rings and bases, 125 pieces once-fired brass, and a Sinclair 22-250 bore guide.
This Editor has shot one of the older Miroku-built Browning B-78 falling blocks and it was beautifully built, with a butter-smooth action and gorgeous blueing. (Japan’s Miroku, which also builds Citori shotguns for Browning, is renowned for the superb metal-work and finish of their rifles and shotguns.) The B-78 was produced by Miroku from 1973 to 1982. This single shot rifle was initially offered in .22-250, 6 mm Remington, .25-06, and .30-06. .243 and 7mm Rem Mag was added to the standard rifle line and a .45-70 version was added on a heavier frame. The B-78 was discontinued in 1982, and then reintroduced in 1985 as the Model 1885 High Wall. The more recent 1885s feature a more traditional stock with a straight wrist and no roll-over comb.
Chuck Hawks is also a fan of the Browning falling blocks: “The Browning 1885 High Wall is 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. It has an exposed rebounding hammer that cocks automatically when the ‘S’-shaped underlever is operated. The automatic ejector can be user set to throw the empty case out to the right or left, or extracted for convenient removal by hand.”
I have a friend that had his b78’s stolen a few years ago, and is trying to replace them. He has located a .22/250, but is having trouble finding a 7mm rem mag in round barrel. Any help would be greatly appreciated by both of us. Thank you, Bill Thompson, Springerville, Az.
Comment by Bill Thompson — January 10, 2009 @ 8 am
I used to have a browning b78 25-06 with an early 3-9 Burris scope and bipod. Sold it in 1983 and have regretted it ever since. Looking to replace the gun. Would like 25-06 but would accept 270 or 30-06. If anyone knows or hears of one give me a shout out.
Wade
Comment by wade osborne — January 24, 2009 @ 12 pm
I have a new in box #78, never been shot. What do you want to pay ?
Comment by Sal — June 11, 2009 @ 6 am
I have a B78 22.250. It shoots very well except the muzzel jump keeps me from see where my bullet struck .
Suggestions on a fix?
Comment by Tom Dunn — February 8, 2009 @ 10 am
Have owned 78’s since 1973. My first was a round/heavy in 6mm…wow whatta shooter. Let a friend talk me out of it. Since then have owned several, including a 25-06 and now have a octogon 6mm Rem. Put a 4.5×14 Zeiss on it..(this one is gonna be in my will when I die…lol) Conley Precision loads for me…(I simply don’t have time to load anymore) 58gr V-Max about 4,000fps and a 95gr Barnes XLC about 3,400fps for deer and hogs. Here in Texas those two rounds take care of about anything I need. In all an amazing rifle in any caliber. I am not fond of the later 1885 (1985 production run). Never had one that wasn’t a tack-driver.
Comment by Tony Hennes — February 15, 2009 @ 7 am