Browning Miroku 1885 for Long Range Shooting

[Long Gun Preacher]

Just picked up a new in box Browning Miroku 1885 in 45lc  24 inch bbl  Can this be a viable carbine for a long range match?

Never done one

[Cholla]

Define Long Range. I am sure given enough practice and DOPE (data on previous engagement) you can make it work but there will be limitations. And I think you'll need a different rear sight to gain elevation.

[Long Gun Preacher]

thank you

[Totes Magoats]

For Pistol caliber long range matches at shorter distances, it should do fine with the proper load.  You will be limited by elevation with your sight and ballistics of .45LC.

 

Totes

[Long Gun Preacher]

thank you  exactly the kind of info I was looking for-im guessing the limit is 200 yrds

[Diamond Jake]

8 hours ago, Long Gun Preacher said:

thank you  exactly the kind of info I was looking for-im guessing the limit is 200 yrds

At the clubs I shoot (Wartrace TN and North Alabama) the pistol caliber rifles shoot at 100 yards and larger calibers shoot at 200 - 225 yards,  But all the pistol caliber rifles I've seen have been lever action repeaters, so I'm not sure if they'd allow an 1885 in that class.  You'd have to contact the match director to be sure.

 

(I just started participating in the long range side matches this year, using a Sharps replica in 40-65, so I'm not sure what the 45Colt would do.)

[Long Gun Preacher]

Ty!

[Lucky R. K.]

16 hours ago, Diamond Jake said:

At the clubs I shoot (Wartrace TN and North Alabama) the pistol caliber rifles shoot at 100 yards and larger calibers shoot at 200 - 225 yards,  But all the pistol caliber rifles I've seen have been lever action repeaters, so I'm not sure if they'd allow an 1885 in that class.  You'd have to contact the match director to be sure.

 

(I just started participating in the long range side matches this year, using a Sharps replica in 40-65, so I'm not sure what the 45Colt would do.)

I have never seen an 1885 used for Cowboy competition either 100 or 200 yards chambered in .45 Colt.  Browning made the black powder version of the 1885 in 40-65, 45-70, and a long-range version in 45-90. The 45-90 had adjustable sights for elevation and windage at both the breech and muzzle. The sights pictured with the rifle are also not suitable for long range because there is no elevation or windage adjustments. It is a beautiful rifle, and with appropriate sights would work for Cowboy long range.

Lucky 

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

I have seen them used in a Plainsman side match

[Griff]

Wonderful RIFLE.  (Carbines  seldom have barrels longer than 22").   Mine has a 24" bbl.  IMO, perfect for Plainsman, which is how I use mine. (But the break open Handi-Rifles are very popular, i.e. "cheap").  I added a Marbles tang sight & a Lyman #17 globe front sight for a little more accuracy, but have not encountered a plainsman rifle target beyond ~75 yards.

 

Read the Shooter's Handbook on Precision Long Range.  Distances vary wildly from club to club.  So do what's offered.  Some don't offer everything, and some offer more.  Most of the clubs offering long range offer will both single shot & lever, tho' some might only offer rifle caliber lever.

 

Quote

- “Rifle Caliber” competition rifles must use traditional, period, rimmed cartridges. No cartridge chambered for use in any SASS approved main match revolver or rifle may be used in the “Rifle Caliber” competition, except the .56-50. Thus, .30-30 (.30 WCF), .38-55 Marlin & Ballard, .43 Spanish, or .45-70 Government cartridges are legal, while a .375 Winchester, .444 Marlin, .32-20, or .44-40 are not legal. Shotguns using slugs are not allowed in the Buffalo Single Shot competition.

I've never seen a "Pistol Caliber" single shot long range competition offered.  But, I've not seen everything!  On the plus side, It is also a fine hog or deer rifle for appropriate ranges.  The action is plenty strong for "Ruger Only" loads, however, I save those for hunting, in Plainsman, I just use my regular BP 45 Colt rounds as used in the main match.  

[Cinch]

I bet it would be fine for pistol caliber rifle side matches. If they are timed you might need to load fast.

 

It all comes down to the match your at. The browning 85’s are great guns.

[Bison Bud]

While I'll admit that the dovetail mounted, iron sight, shown may have problems getting out to 200 yards, there does also appear to be a tang mounted peep sight on the gun that should be able to cover the distance.