Browning Model B-78 B78 Angelo Bee Engraved .25-06 Blue/Gold 26″ Single-Shot Falling-Block Rifle 1976

SOLD FOR: $2,290.00
LSB#: 190319JP02

Make: Browning, Made by Miroku in Japan

Model: B-78 High Power Rifle

Serial Number: 35444RT147

Year of Manufacture: 1976 (RT date code)

Caliber: .25-06

Action Type: Falling-Block Single Shot Rifle

Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”, the left of the barrel shank is marked “25 06” in gold. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked “BROWNING-78 CALIBER .25-06 ONLY / PATENT NO 3830000”. The bottom-front of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The barrel has gold borders at the muzzle and shank with scroll engraving in front of the shank border. The receiver has relief scroll engraving with a pronghorn scene on the left and a ram scene on the right with the animals done in gold sculpted inlay, gold borders on the scenes and gold borders on the receiver. Below the pronghorn scene on the left is a small bumble-bee and “A.BEE”. The lever also has scroll engraving.

Barrel Length: 26”, Octagonal with Mag-na-port style porting.

Sights / Optics: Two piece Browning bases are installed with rings holding a Leupold Vari-X III 2.5-8x scope with duplex reticle. The glass is clear and the scope shows only light handling marks, in about Excellent condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with schnabel forend, capped pistol grip, monte-carlo comb, ventilated black rubber Pachmayr White Line recoil pad and sling swivels front and rear. The stocks have a few scattered minor marks, some scuffing on the top of the comb, and very lightly thinning finish on the edge of the cheekpiece. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad, 12 1/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad is still supple showing a few light scuffs on the edges and very light wear, in about Fine condition. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Gold

Finish Originality: The metal was refinished when the rifle was engraved.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish showing only very light operational wear and handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The lever locks up with no play. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed scope as described.

Our Assessment: The Browning B-78 saw relatively low and short production, from 1973-1982 with approximately 24,000 rilfes manufactured total before being superseded by the reproduction Model 1885. The .25-06 octagonal barrel is not a particularly common model, with 3,839 made. While such an uncommon Browning is likely to get collectors interest by itself, this example has been engraved by Master Engraver Angelo Bee, with relief scroll engraving and sculpted gold inlay game animal scenes on the receiver flats. Rounded out with Mag-na-Port-style porting, gold accents and a nice Leupold 2.5-8x scope, this gorgeous rifle is perfect for any collection, especially fans of Browning or the esteemed Angelo Bee. Please see our pictures and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle CAN be transferred in California. All C&R and modern firearms must be DROSd at a California Firearms Dealer. This does not apply to out of state residents.