After I mentioned that friend Martin had gotten a .32-40 low-wall Browning 1885, we started doing some research and neither of us can find any reference to this model ever coming in this caliber.  The barrel is marked Browning, etc, but there is no caliber marking on it(??)  It does indeed chamber a .32-40 nicely, although we have not fired it as yet.  I will slug the bore before we shoot a live round through it.

Anyway, does anybody else have any knowledge about this model in this caliber?  Is it some sort of anomoly, custom order, limited run or what?  Any and all information on the matter will be gratefully received.

Froggie

OK, looking at the rifle again, there is a section of the barrel on the right upper flat (it's an octagon, fairly delicate looking, about a Win #2) that has a place in front of the Browning 1885 roll mark that is slightly depressed, as though someone ran an end mill along it for about 2" and just a few thousandths deep.  Is this where it is supposed to have the caliber mark?   

The breech end of the barrel where it enters the receiver face has that round section JD refers to as the tulip, so I don't think the barrel could have been set back.  When I took the fore end off, there was a flat bar attached to the face of the receiver that takes two screws for the wood.  There is some marking under the barrel where the bar covers it, but none of the markings or re-markings I have come to take for granted under Winchesters.

The finish of the barrel is a sort of matte as opposed to high gloss.  Is this standard for a 1995 vintage (from the serial number) low-wall? 

Thanks again for all helpful input!

Froggie

Thanks, all.  I guess we will never know the history of this particular (gun show purchased) piece.  It will be fun to find out how it shoots.  I've ordered 100 rds ou unprimed Winchester brass from Buffalo Arms and Martin is probably casting up some bullets from a few of my favorite moulds as I type this.  Of course we plan on using moderate target-level loads of 4759 and fixed ammo (since breech seaters for a low-wall might prove a bit difficult. 

The CSV crowd will surely get to see this oddity in action when we have our June match.  Just one more reason folks might want to put that date on their dance card!  Meanwhile, if any other info turns up, please let me know here or by PM.   

Regards,
Charlie the Frog

Charlie,
If you make up on the 9th maybe you could bring it AND Martin along. I saw it on the table at that show but did not pick it up, I did admire it though! Chris C. is coming ,"down" for him, He may have some insight. He owns a couple brownings and has a keen eye for machine work.
Can't wait to see Martin shoot it!
Jon