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The greatly expanded 3rd Edition now available!

Browning Model 1885 Black Powder Cartridge Rifle 3rd Edition By Wayne McLerran

The full wraparound cover of Browning Model 1885 Black Powder Cartridge Rifle, 3rd Edition, by Wayne McLerran. The back cover shows .40-65, .45-70 and .45-90 cartridges, the spine carries the title, and the front cover shows a Browning 1885 High-Wall rifle over the YCSA silhouette range.
Since the book has a wraparound cover I decided to display it all. Those of you familiar with the Yaupon Creek Silhouette Association (YCSA) range located near Columbus, Texas will recognize the background.

About the Book

Published by TexasMac Publishing, the 13-digit International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is 978-0-9893702-5-7. The 10-digit ISBN is 0-9893702-5-9. The Library of Congress Control Number is 2013955482. The hardback book is approximately 9" by 6", contains 418 pages of text, 7 tables and 95 figures. Only high-quality components and construction was used in the manufacturing. For those of you somewhat familiar with book binding, it has a hard case bound cover. The cover artwork is laminated to the cover under a layer of durable textured clear poly. The inside pages are cut from 60 lb. bright-white acid-free archival paper. The book block (inside pages) are bound with a mill and notch binding operation including the white 100% cotton end sheets.

The Browning 1885 High Wall BPCR models are the focus of the 1st section, but due to the relatively minor differences in the design, much of the material in the appendices is applicable to the full line of Model 1885 Rifles manufactured by Miroku for both Browning and Winchester. In fact, if you ever decide to disassemble your Miroku manufactured Browning or Winchester Model 1885 rifle, Appendix 1 alone may be worth the price of the book. The term "Miroku manufactured" is used here to distinguish modern Browning and Winchester Model 1885 rifles from 19th century and early 20th century "original" Winchester rifles.

Containing 418 pages, this edition includes significantly more information than the 2nd Edition (272 pages). A few overlooked typos and errors were corrected and new comments included, helping to clarify some of the existing material. Several new sections and chapters were added and the original Appendix reorganized into four appendices. Although the book title does not mention Winchester, additional information on Winchester BPCRs is included as is a discussion on barrel break-in and 145 pages of shooting, reloading information and related subjects, including 20 pages of load specifications.

What Readers Are Saying

Since I don’t solicit feedback it’s a real pleasure when a satisfied customer takes the time to email me. Following are some of the most recent comments:

“Hi Wayne, The book arrived yesterday, and I read it cover to cover before bed. Wayne, very, very well done! I really liked and was impressed by the thoroughness of your research. And well thought out and presented information. I really wanted it as a workshop manual for my rifle and any others I might be called to work on, also the chamber dimensions and other technical info. What I got was much more and the history is an enjoyable bonus, as well as good information. You are going to make me a real pro regarding any of these rifles that I may work on or be asked about.”
David
“Hi Wayne, your book arrived today. I’ve only skimmed through it so far but I can tell it will be a good read and a valuable source of reference. I like that it has the story behind the production and the history in addition to the technical maintenance and disassembly chapters.”
James
“Wayne – back in October I bought your book. I just wanted to drop you a note and say it is fabulous. This so far exceeded my expectations that I don’t know what to say! This book will let me take the rifles apart! Also, lots of pictures and history of making the rifle and modifications during production. Your book is a perfect complement to an enthusiast and I thank you so much for doing it.”
Steve
“Hi Wayne, Just a note to tell you that I've had your book for 2 days now and have read about half of it already. It's a great reference source. Better than even I expected. I wish that all such books were as well written and laid out as yours. Thanks again for creating such a fine reference book that will serve me well into the future.”
Grant
“Hi Wayne, I'm so pleased to have your remarkable book on the 1885. It's a unique and absolutely essential resource for anyone who owns this wonderful firearm.”
Uri
“Hello Wayne, Wow, I received your book and have already read it twice! What a great book! It is the best book, by far, in regards to the Browning and Winchester 1885.”
Gary
“Hi Wayne, I just wanted you to know that I have enjoyed reading your 3rd edition Browning BPCR book. I have read it from cover to cover and now I have been using it as a reference that I keep next to my recliner and lap top.”
George
“Hi Wayne, The book arrived today. It’s well worth the money and contains a wealth of information. The book has a very professional look and feel. It’s well structured and an easy read. I will be recommending it to any and all people interested in these rifles.”
Rob
“Hi Wayne, I got your book today and Gee-golly-wow! Your surely did your due diligence on it, and THEN some! I think you've done everything but work up and test our loads for us with our components, and adjusted our zeroes with them! I am VERY impressed with this book. Your hard work and research really shows and I am VERY grateful to you for what you've given us. You've really outdone yourself with this book! I'm ashamed it has taken so long for me to get it. Thanks.”
Dennis
“Hi Wayne, You truly have produced a great book. I wish all my gunsmithing books had been this thorough in their efforts to inform the readers. I have been acquiring them for 45 years now and this one is top notch! Thanks again.”
Michael
“Wayne, your book arrived intact this week and I am now enjoying every page. Thank you for compiling so much information about doctoring these guns. Also, I expect to find your reloading section a valuable resource in the future. You have made a genuine contribution to the black powder shooting sports. On behalf of everyone who owns a Miroku 1885, we owe you one!”
Randy
“Hi Wayne, received the book yesterday - outstanding quality and fantastic information on the inside. It must have taken a great deal of work to put it together. Everyone who owns a Browning BPCR must buy this amazing book. Thanks again and will treasure this. Keep up the good work.”
Wayne

Table of Contents

  • 3rd Edition Comments
  • Preface
  • Special Acknowledgements
  • Warning
  • 1. Introduction
  • 2. Background
  • 3. Meet the Rifle Designer
  • 4. Browning Model 1885 BPCR
    • 4.1 .40-65 & .45-70 BPC Rifles
    • 4.2 .45-90 Creedmoor-Type Long Range Rifle
  • 5. Receiver & Action
    • 5.1 Overall Action
    • 5.2 Trigger Design
    • 5.3 Extractor Design
    • 5.4 .40-65 Extraction Issue
    • 5.5 Case Rim Edge Visible with Action Closed
  • 6. Barrels
    • 6.1 Muzzle Crowns
    • 6.2 Chambers
    • 6.3 Concentric Chamber Concerns
  • 7. Sights
    • 7.1 Front Sight Inserts
  • 8. Stock, Grip Cap, Butt Plate & Forearm
  • 9. Additional Rifle Data
  • 10. Browning/Winchester Production History
    • 10.1 Browning Production
    • 10.2 Winchester Production
  • 11. Browning/Winchester Serial Numbers
    • 11.1 Browning Serial Numbers
    • 11.2 Winchester Serial Numbers
  • 12. Miroku Firearms Manufacturing Company
  • 13. Rifle Boxes, Sight Boxes & Labels
    • 13.1 Rifle Boxes
    • 13.2 Rifle Box End Labels
    • 13.3 Rear Sight Boxes & Labels
  • 14. Sales Literature
  • 15. Collecting the Rifles

Appendices

Appendix 1 – Operations, Specifications & Gunsmithing
  • 1A. Chamber & Bore Data
    • 1A.1 Chamber Terminology
    • 1A.2 Browning/Winchester Chambers
  • 1B. Operation of the Action
    • 1B.1 Firing Control & Cocking Sequence
    • 1B.2 Extractor Operation Sequence
  • 1C. Action Disassembly & Assembly
    • 1C.1 Disassembly
    • 1C.2 Assembly
  • 1D. Rear Sight Issues
    • 1D.1 Excessive Fore & Aft Movement
    • 1D.2 Excessive Lateral Movement
    • 1D.3 Ladder Detent Reliability
    • 1D.4 Enlarging Eyecup Hole Diameters
    • 1D.5 Windage Adjustment Tension
  • 1E. Front Sight Issues
    • 1E.1 Replacing Spirit Level Tube Caps
    • 1E.2 Replacing the Spirit Level Vial
    • 1E.3 Refilling the Spirit Level Vial
    • 1E.4 Loose Creedmoor Sight
  • 1F. Trigger Issues
    • 1F.1 Trigger Pull Adjustment Issues
    • 1F.2 Quick & Cheap Way to Lighten Trigger Pull
    • 1F.3 Dale McGee Modification
    • 1F.4 J&B Innovations Trigger Kit
    • 1F.5 Lee Shaver’s Trigger Sear
  • 1G. Reinforcing the Stock Through-bolt Hole
  • 1H. Additional Gunsmithing Notes
    • 1H.1 Hammer Will Not Cock – Rests on the Firing Pin
    • 1H.2 Hammer Will Not Go to Full Cock
    • 1H.3 Hammer Stops at Half-Cock When Fired
    • 1H.4 Light (Weak) Primer Strike
    • 1H.5 Extractor Blocks Cartridge Rim
    • 1H.6 Fixing .40-65 Extraction Problem
    • 1H.7 Action Locks Up or Extractor Does Not Work
    • 1H.8 Comments on Stock Replacement
    • 1H.9 Comments on Barrel Replacement
    • 1H.10 Removing a Tight Forearm
    • 1H.11 Forearm Modifications to Improve Accuracy
  • 1I. Rifle 1st Aid Kit
  • 1J. Accessories & Part Suppliers
    • 1J.1 Sources for Modern Scope Bases & Rings
    • 1J.2 Installing a Wm Malcolm-Style Scope
  • 1K. Exploded Illustrations & Parts List
Appendix 2 – Shooting & Cleaning
  • 2A. Barrel Break-In
    • 2A.1 Badger Barrel’s Break-In Procedure
    • 2A.2 Lee Shaver’s Break-in Procedure
  • 2B. Smokeless Ammunition
  • 2C. MOA Sight Adjustments
    • 2C.1 Rear Sight Windage
    • 2C.2 Rear Sight Elevation
    • 2C.3 Creedmoor Front Sight Windage
  • 2D. Sight Settings – MOAs vs. Points
  • 2E. Shooting Short-Case Cartridges – Myths & Facts
  • 2F. Case Stretching & Separating
  • 2G. Fouling Control
  • 2H. Making a Blow Tube
  • 2I. Cleaning the Action & Breech
Appendix 3 – Reloading
  • 3A. Chamber Casts & Impact Impressions
    • 3A.1 Sulfur Chamber Casts
    • 3A.2 CerroSafe Chamber Casts
    • 3A.3 Adjusting Data Taken From “Aged” Casts
    • 3A.4 Impact Impressions
  • 3B. “Grease-Groove” Bullet Mould Considerations
    • 3B.1 Selecting a Mould Manufacturer
    • 3B.2 Selecting and/or Specifying a Mould
  • 3C. Bullet Casting & Lubrication
    • 3C.1 Dip (Ladle) Bullet Casting
    • 3C.2 Bullet Lubrication
  • 3D. Determining Overall Case Length
    • 3D.1 Quick Methods
    • 3D.2 Utilizing a Chamber Cast or Impact Impression
  • 3E. Annealing Case Necks
  • 3F. Stretching Short Brass
    • 3F.1 Case Stretching Options
  • 3G. To Resize or Not To Resize?
  • 3H. Large Pistol Primers & Primer Wads
    • 3H.1 Large Pistol Primers
    • 3H.2 Primer Wads
  • 3I. Making .40-65 from .45-70 Brass
    • 3I.1 A Reforming Technique
    • 3I.2 Fire Reforming Alternative
    • 3I.3 My Preferred Reforming Method
  • 3J. Case Preparation & Loading
    • 3J.1 New Case Preparations
    • 3J.2 Loading Steps
  • 3K. Browning/Winchester Load Specifications
    • 3K.1 .40-65 Winchester
    • 3K.2 .45-70 Government
    • 3K.3 .45-90 Winchester
  • 3L. Case Cleaning – Tumbler vs. Ultrasonic
    • 3L.1 Ultrasonic versus Tumbler with Ceramic Media
    • 3L.2 Tumbler with Stainless Steel Pins
Appendix 4 – General Information
  • 4A. Shipping Rifles & Cracked Stocks
  • 4B. Case Hardening & Case Colors
    • 4B.1 Protecting Case Colors
  • 4C. The Story of Creedmoor
    • 4C.1 The Story of Creedmoor
    • 4C.2 Additional Creedmoor Information
  • 4D. References

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