.40-70 1885 Modern Repro - but who was the maker?

[leighenfield]

Hi, I've just bought a modern repro but it has no maker's name or mark on it? It is in .40-70 (it has that written on the top of the barrel) and it came with some Krag brass. It has a Browning rear sight on it but of course that doesn't mean the rifle is and it has a spirit level front sight. I thought it might be a Miroku/Browning but I cannot find one in that calibre.

I've attached 3 photos which I hope will show enough for identification.

I'd also like to lighten the trigger pull but I'd like to know if there any instructions out there first but before I can start looking I need to know what it is.

All and any help will be and is much appreciated, many thanks in advance

DSCF2291.JPG (175.28 KiB) Viewed 13657 times

DSCF2285.JPG (193.07 KiB) Viewed 13657 times

DSCF2287.JPG (239.37 KiB) Viewed 13657 times

[Brent]

There isn't much to go by in those pictures, but that bottom tang looks like an original to me. how about a rebarreled original with Winchester's name ground off the top tang?

[leighenfield]

Hi, some more photos.

DSCF2293.JPG (252.21 KiB) Viewed 13649 times

DSCF2284.JPG (147.46 KiB) Viewed 13649 times

DSCF2294.JPG (158.87 KiB) Viewed 13649 times

[gunlaker]

I think that Brent is probably right. It looks like the name might just be obscured by the tang sight too.

It looks like it has british proof marks. That's what the little crown and the BP looks like to me. I think my old .303 SMLE had similar marks.

Chris.

[gunlaker]

It also looks like a flat spring gun. Do any of the repro actions use a flat spring?

Chris.

[John Boy]

A close up picture of the proof marks on the barrel will be more telling. In addition, serial numbers - only one or on other parts of the metal & wood ?

[Brent]

I think it has been rebarreled. The finish on that barrel looks nearly new. But i think the action is an old original Winchester.

[JohnS4570]

Looks very similar to my rebarreled 45/70 original flat spring highwall. Remove the tang sight and you will most likely see the Winchester name. The serial number is on the lower tang--not like the reproductions. I'm sure you will enjoy this very fine rifle.
Good shooting,
JohnS4570

[leighenfield]

Hi and many thanks all. Your feedback has got me thinking that I've got a rebarreled and restocked 1885 with most of the action changed so perhaps 10-20% original. I took the rear sight off the tang but nothing hidden under there. The serial number on the tang behind the lever is 58384. Perhaps the tang is the only thing original, anyway I love it. Just got to get it shooting now. I've currently got 4 inch groups at 100m but that's no doubt down to my poor shooting, Mr Fouling and Mr Trying Different Loads. Again thanks and any more info much appreciated.

[Kodiak]

I have a Uberti 1885 highwall carbine style rifle that has the exact same markings on the bottom tang. Kinda late to the party though!


Hope this helps,

Jim