Can someone tell me what the essential differences are between these two models as produced by Browning? Is one considered to be stronger than the other? I'm looking at an 1885 in 45-70 and want to make sure of the capabilities of this model...not that I'm sure I want the guff near 458 WM loads might kick up at the butt. Single shots sure are cool.

I believe the actions are essentially the same - the differences are primarily cosmetic. Both actions have been chambered for plenty of high-pressure cartridges, so strength is not a problem in either case.

The B-78 typically has a pistol grip stock, cheek piece, white line spacers with the recoil pad, and a 26 inch round barrel (although some were made with octagonal barrels, and a few were made like the 1885 traditional models).

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=46481556

The 1885's typically have 28 inch octagonal barrels, straight grip stocks without a cheek piece, and no white-line spacer between the stock and recoil pad. Traditonal models have curved buttplates.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=46295254

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=46216052

Can someone tell me what the essential differences are between these two models as produced by Browning? Is one considered to be stronger than the other? I'm looking at an 1885 in 45-70 and want to make sure of the capabilities of this model...not that I'm sure I want the guff near 458 WM loads might kick up at the butt. Single shots sure are cool.
The main difference in the two rifles is the 1885 has a tang for the use of a tang sight for Black Powder Silhouette competition. Both actions are excellent rifles. I think the 1885 in 40-65 is a better choice of caliber and rifle because of the ballestic coefficient of the 40 caliber bullet.
Bill

The Traditional (curved buttplate) and BPCR rifles have the tang, but the standard Browning 1885 does not (the version with the recoil pad).

Red, I'm going to tag a couple of my questions on this thread: you seem to be the authority on late model highwalls.

Are the Browning and/or the Winchesters (The ones that come with iron sights) drilled and tapped for scope mounts?

Are both made by Miroku?

Is their any advantage, other than mounting the tang sight, whether they have tangs?

I passed on one in .454 Casul a couple weeks ago, I'm still kicking myself.

I wouldn't call myself an authority, but I sure like 'em (I own 3 - a Browning .454, a Winchester .270 WSM, and a Winchester .45-90 BPCR). :)

Yes - the Brownings and Winchesters with iron sights are drilled and tapped for scope mounts. If you buy a Williams receiver sight for the 1885, it mounts to the rear scope mounting holes.

Both are made by Miroku.

The only advantage of the tang is for mounting a tang sight. Personally, I like the feel of the Brownings without the tang (I like the feel of all wood in my hands). You can buy tang sights for versions without the tang (I assume they mount to the wood), but I don't have any experience with those types of sights (I would rather use a receiver sight in those cases). I have a tang sight on my BPCR rifle. It's nice, but a little awkward compared to the receiver sight (interferes a bit with your thumb and with loading the gun). Most BPCR and Cowboy Action matches don't allow receiver sights, but do allow tang sights. I intend to upgrade my tang sight from the supplied Marble's sight to one of the Advance Manufacturing Vernier sights like the Browning BPCR rifles used.

Too bad you passed on that .454. My Browning .454 is my favorite rifle. Stunning wood and a blast to shoot! I upgraded the sights to a Williams receiver rear and Lyman 20 globe front. You can run it at 45-70 energy levels, or back it down to light plinking loads.

Glad to hear about the action strength. Did notice the absence of a tang but you're right. With the 28" barrel I would think a receiver sight would give plenty of sight radius. This one has the shotgun butt and pad which I prefer too.

Thanks for the info. Hope to pick this one up.