Hi folks, first post here. I am looking at my LGS at a very nice 1885 High Wall in 45-70. The serial number identifies it as an 1885 High Wall made in 1985, the first year Browning changed from the B-78 to the 1885. The serial number is in the 600 range for that year. The rifle looks untouched, except that it has a hard black plastic shotgun-style butt plate held on with two slotted screws. The stock and LOP appear normal. I have never seen in-person or online a Browning 1885 with a hard plastic shotgun-style buttplate. They are typically rubber. Is this possibly a factory part? Aftermarket?? Thank you for any insight you can provide.
I would imagine any firearm requiring a butt plate ( recoil pad )...made in 1885...would have the rubber eventually dry rot or degrade to a point where an aftermarket replacement would eventually have to be installed. And maybe the original owner could not find a "rubber" replacement...hence the plastic replacement. You may be able to find a rubber replacement at Numrich Gun Parts... If and when you purchase that rifle at the LGS you mention.
Just looked I have no Browning catalogs betwen 1982 and 1990 The 1990 shows a rubber pad I have several Browning 22s that have plastic but plates, all have the Browning name molded into them
Mystery solved -- the previous owner cut an inch off the stock and put on a different butt plate. Beautiful rifle, but I'm passing on the deal.
