Henry Rifle Forums

Been kicking around the idea of a SS rifle in 45/70 for no other reason than the nostalgia, fun shooting and potential great accuracy. I almost 'pulled the trigger' on a Shiloh Sharps last year - price was right and condition was excellent but at the last minute I passed on it. Maybe for the fact it was a little more 'gaudy' than i wanted - and I have never been a fan of mail order guns but I was planning on trusting it for this.
Well fast forward to yesterday at a small, local gun show and I found a Browning B-78 in 45/70. Beautiful condition and comes with the complete vernier tang sight set up with the globe front. Interestingly this rifle has previously been owned by a one Joe Foss who was a known WW2 Ace fighter pilot and a two year President of the NRA - with a letter from the family. The price is VERY right for the gun (asking $1200) and it has a nice Browning case and Browning leather sling.
Anyone have any experience with this particular model? If so please advise! Thanks!

Th B-78 is similar to the later 1885 Browning/Winchester/Miroku that replaced it. The difference is in the trigger, mostly. The B-78 is a much more complex trigger assembly, so I'd proceed with caution about trying to adjust it or tune it. Otherwise, similar guns, other than some differences in the stock. Being a Miroku made gun, very high quality. I think you'll be pleased.

http://www.texas-mac.com/Comparing_Brow ... ifles.html

I had to look it up and must say, that's one fine looking rifle ... I really look forward to your range and use reports/pictures if you purchase it

That's a rifle that would truly be able to use the 45-70 to it's fullest.

Well, It seems the owner isn't too interested in selling this rifle. I started out with a fair offer (cash) to which he refused so I upped the ante and instead of counter offering anything he took the approach 'well I just think I'll take it off the market and swap out the target sights for standard and sell the sights separately since they are worth X amount' (and more self righteous BS) Sorry but I am an old 'Horse Trader' who believes UNLESS the price is stated as FIRM well then a little dickering is in order - and we were only $75.00 apart.... Go figure.

He doesn't sound like he has any real interest in selling. More likely, just wants to test the market. Personally, I think you'd be better off with the later 1885, anyway. Trigger is much simpler with fewer problems. It's basically why Browning dropped the B-78.

Joe Foss was also two time governor of SD and league commissioner for the old American Football League before the merge. My stepfather would go hunting coyotes with him and his brother, from an airplane. The Governor would fly, the other two would trade off shooting with shot guns and an 8 mm camera filming. I remember feeling sorry for the coyotes when they tumble after being shot. I believe I was 8 or 9 at the time.