OK so I need therapy. Bought a Browning 1885 7 Mag from a friend. Love it. I'm a paper shooter - hunt little. Have a number of sub MOA rifles in .17 to .308. My reference points are Anschutz, Sako, Remmington Sendero and Weatherby Mark V. Shoot lot of paper with .223, - don't reload. Have 20 hrs to decide on .223 on Gunbroker. My question, can I count on Browning 1885, .223 to shoot sub MOA? Understand all the "qualifying" comments but just want to know from those of you with experience, can I "plan" on an 1885 shooting as well as a Remmington Sendero - for example?
Thanks, John

IMO, expecting any rifle with a 2 piece stock to shoot as well as a well tuned bolt rifle is a bit optimistic. There are exceptions, I'm sure, but, it's not a good bet.

I would not say that you could "count on it", but here is a 10 shot target (@ 100 metres )that I shot with my 1885 Browning in .270 Winchester. That target was pretty representative of how it would shoot on any given day.

It wouldn't shoot quite that well with factory loads, but with 140gr Berger bullets seated out a bit over some H-4831SC and match primers, it shot very well.



Chris.

My Winchester 1885 in .270 WSM shoots around .5 MOA with 90 grain varmint bullets. It's more accurate than any other rifle I've owned (I have yet to own a true varmint/target bolt action, however). Your 1885 probably won't be a champion bench-rest rifle, but it will probably surprise you with the accuracy level it's capable of.

Thanks guys - info is helpful. Sounds like I should not buy anymore 1885 to shoot accurate paper - rather, enjoy them for what they are, neat piece of history. Comment about 2 piece stock was particularly helpful to this sort of "newbie".
PS: first trip to range with my 7 mag, sighting in new scope was 3/4 MOA with factory ammo - no apologize There.
John

There are so many companies that make 223 rounds that I would say yes you could expect it to shoot sub moa. You may have to search several brands to see what it likes. Are you not happy with your 7mm shooting 3/4 moa? How are the rest of your rifles? Do you shoot bench rest competition if so, then this rifle is not for that. If you are happy with 3/4" I think that is a realistic goal for the 1885's. Also they made the 223 in Highwall and low wall configurations which one are you looking at?