House of Browning

In 1881 John Browning designed what may have been the most efficient bolt-action repeating rifle of its kind. It resembles the Früwirth/Kropatschek rifles in layout and operation, but with a much simplified design. 

It is likely for the best, however, that production of the rifle was never attempted. The Browning factory was selling as many single-shot rifles as they could produce. The US military, despite testing various designs, had little to no interest in repeating rifles. Remington was still attempting to recover from the financial disaster of the Keene rifle. James Paris Lee had invented a better magazine system and was continuing its development with whomever he could find. Winchester was doing well with their Hotchkiss rifle. The Kropatschek had already been adopted in Europe and South America.

Within the US there was just too little a market at the time. Sportsman preferred the lever-action and the new bolt-action guns couldn’t compete with their prices.

This rifle is one of exceptionally few Browning designs to feature a full stock. As typical for the time, it utilized a tube magazine beneath the barrel. Loading was done with the action open, cartridges being inserted through the top of the receiver into the rear of the magazine.

While no documentation exists to indicate the rifle’s caliber, it was likely designed for the US military standard 45-70 Govt. cartridge.

Inventor: John M. Browning, Matthew S. Browning

Patent Attorney: Ellis Spear

Assigned: unknown