As many of you know I’ve been researching the Browning BPCRs for some time.  I’m trying to wrap up the research and dearly need to locate owners of Creedmoor rifles with the serial numbers listed below.  If you, your buddies, friends or associates have a Browning Creedmoor with one of the four listed serial numbers I’d greatly appreciate if you would contact me, or request they contact me.  By the way, a factory Browning Creedmoor is a Browning BPCR in caliber .45-90 with a 34” ½ octagon ½ round barrel.  I can be reached by a private message or send me an email at texasmac--@--sbc--global.net (remove all dashes).  Thanks a bunch.

13284NP371
13298NP371
13299NP371
13300NP371

Regards,
Wayne
aka TexasMac

Not to sound like a snob but why would anyone spend time reserching a Jap copy of anything ?  I know they have value as shooters but I would not be intrested any any history of how marketers put an idea together and had it made overseas to sell in the USA at lower prices than the US made Highwalls 

Adjust the triggers, take them apart Ok but thats about it.

Boats

Gees, you guys are a suspicious bunch.   Actually there is a very high level of interest in Browning 1885’s, especially the Black Powder Cartridge Rifles specifically designed for long-range silhouette and creedmoor matches.  I’m not about to get in a discussion of American versus Japanese manufacturing but suffice it to say, they are very well made rifles and have won many matches against Sharps, Rem. Rollers, etc.  There is a continued demand for the Browning’s, which are no longer being made.

I’ve been researching the Browning BPCR for some time with the intent of publishing a book on the subject.  Nope, likely won’t make any money.  It’s more of a “labor of love” project.  I’ve had help from Browning and have contacted several hundred rifle owners.  I’ve enjoyed the research and have learned a good deal, not only about the Browning BPCR but also about all aspects of BPCR reloading, shooting and silhouette competition.

The Browning BPCR line consisted of around 4000 rifles made in .40-65 and .45-70, and only 330 Creedmoor models in .45-90.  16 of the Creedmoor rifles left the factory with a different front sight.  These are not well documented in Browning’s archives and I’m trying to zero in on the serial numbers.  I can promise you specific information about a rifle or owner will never be released or published.  The vast majority of rifle owners I’ve contacted have provided serial numbers and information on their rifles.  Even if one were stolen I’d never know about it.

Hope this answers you guy’s questions and concerns.  I have not posted much on this site but several of the other BPCR and single-shot forums know me well.  Thanks.

Regards,
Wayne

Hey there Pete,

You're certainly correct.  I've posted so much on this subject on other forums and private messages, now and then I forget to introduce myself and explain the research.  Thanks.

Regards,
Wayne

doubled,

  Well, an honest person would give it back, of course, once you knew, and was what my friend did. That gun had gone thru a coupla hands at least and was sold to him by a dealer before hte truth came to light. Probably why many wouldn't write to Wayne if they had one of the serial #'s he's looking for. As long as you don't know then you can have a clear conscious.

  I've known of instances where people got a gun pretty cheap and were afraid to letter it for fear it might have been stolen.

  The original guns we shoot can cost several thousands of dollars.... and up. Here's a rhetorical question I don't expect an answer to. Just think about it. What would you do if somehow you found out that $20,000 Pope you have had been stolen, and nobody but you knew it?

PETE

Pete/et al:  In this day and age it is probally reasonable to question a post such as this.   But,  TexasMac is a frequent known poster on various other Boards.  In personal dealings with him I have found him an honest and up front individual.  His knowledge, and expertice on the Browning BPCR's could be very valuable on this fine rifle.  He is always more than willing to share tech tips etc., when needed.   Now as to your ponderous question of the $20,000 Pope rifle-well that goes to each individual's character does'nt it.   Best regards steve witt

Hey guys,

Thanks for the moral support and positive character references.  I did not take offense to Pete's comments, as I did not feel any was intended.  I certainly did need to introduce myself to those of you not aware of my research.  Also, I think Pete it playing the "devil’s advocate" a little here.  So don’t be too hard on ol’ Pete.   

By the way, I’m certainly not going to check any of the serial numbers provided uncovered by my research.  On the flip side, I have never been shy about giving out the serial numbers of my firearms as I keep records, receipts, etc. of each purchase, even if the firearm is picked up at a gun show and no paperwork was required.  In that case I ask to see the sellers driver’s license, which he/she shouldn’t have any problem with if they have no knowledge of it being stolen.  I jot down the license number, name and address.  I’ve always felt that the best way to discourage the sale of “hot” firearms is to require identification from the seller.  If it turns out, unbeknownst to me, the firearm was stolen some time ago and sold a few times, then tracked to me, I may have to turn it over to the authorities and loose my investment, but at least I have some documentation to insure I’m not implicated.

So keep an eye out for those Creedmoor serial numbers I listed earlier.  If you have knowledge of one I certainly don’t expect you to identify the serial number.  But I would appreciate if you would either ask the owner to contact me or send me his/her contact info, and I’ll try to convince them that my research is legit and I will not release the information.  I can assure anyone with one of the rifles that my research, when published, will have a significant positive impact on the value if their rifle, as it already has on the rest of the 330 BPCR Creedmoors and the 3,500 or so of the .40-65’s and .45-70’s.

In closing I do have one question.  I have a FFL and have bought and sold firearms for many years, more recently many of the $1500 - $2000 Browning I'm writing about.  This is the 1st time I've heard a reference to having a firearm "lettered".  I assume it means checking to see if there is a listing of it being stolen.  So how does one "letter" a firearm?  Do you call the local police or sheriff dept., or is there a FBI or an ATF hotline I'm not aware of?  I'd be somewhat surprised if the local authorities are inclined to check.


Regards,
Wayne
aka TexasMac