Browning Model 1878 Single Shot Rifle
Title: Browning Model 1878 Single Shot Rifle
Maker: Browning Bros.
Made In: Ogden, Utah Territory
Caliber:.22 Caliber
Date: 1878
Dimensions: Barrel: 26 ¼” length: 42 1/2″ Height: 7 ¼”
Inscription: Serial Number 369 / Barrel: BROWNING BROS. OGDEN UTAH, U.S.A. PAT OCT. 7.79 22 369
Credit Line: Guns from the Browning-Cowan Family
Object ID: 986-12-062
This Model was the first firearm John Moses Browning developed. He received his first patent October 7th, 1879 for this single shot, metallic cartridge firearm. This is number 369 of 600 Model 1878 Rifles made before Thomas Bennett of Winchester paid them $8,000 for a sample of the gun in the 1880’s.
The Model 1878 would be modified to become the Winchester Model 1885 Single Shot Rifle. This gun marked the first time that Browning and Winchester would work together.