My dad purchased this Springfield/Stevens model 85 back in the late 30's. I used it growing up on the farm. Squirrels, blackbirds and striped gophers where the main targets. It had very fine sights and my record was 8 spriped gophers from the hood of my 65 Chev with 8 shots, all head shots. I don't think this rifle was rated highly but it shot very well for me. It had field nicknames of 'gill rifle' or 'clickclack' - Named as the action would remain open until you released the trigger. It also had a bolt lock that allowed you to shoot shorts by using it like a bolt action. Now is a safe queen due to poorer eyesight but had great memories.
Tree Squirrel Rifles
- Thread starter Jon Bischof
- Start date
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I have not run accross many of these Browning Challengers. I purchased a Challenger back in 1974 and found it was very accurate. It ended the lives of a number of varmints. I believe yours has the original poly grip/stock. I was in college and stupidly left mine on the dash for an extended amount of time. The poly stock warped pulling away from the steel frame. I sent it into Browning and they sent it back with the very nicely checkered walnut stock.........at no charge! See top pic.
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Jon Bischof
Well-Known Member
It must have been back in the 70's when my father bought ours. Love the Walnut grip stock on yours! What year was it Browning replaced it for you?
I would say it was about 1977 if I recall.
memtb
Well-Known Member
In the '60's I bought a Browning Nomad, somewhat similar to the Challenger, one of the only two firearms that I got rid of.…..I've regretted it ever since! memtb
M1A1ABRAMS
Well-Known Member
Got a auction coming up with a couple Contenders in 222 Rem & a 30 Herrett, if interested. Not to mention lots of other goodies. I'm interested in a few pieces they have for my collection. lol
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Mod 61 is always a nice choice!
Yep, old school is always nice!
Gravel Road
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- Jan 7, 2018
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Those are really neat rifles. I have my late father-in-laws and it is so cool to be able to stop the action by holding the trigger back.
Yes, the action feels rather odd at first but I like the uniqueness of it and it shot 'lights out'. (When my eyes were sharper.)
Swinehunt74
Well-Known Member
Forget the 22, more interested in all the background. Love me my Prometheus powder scale. My bench hasn't been that clean since day 1.
My very first .22 rifle, age 13, was a JC Higgins model 31 by High Standard. On the farm as a kid I shot "at" a lot of crows and missed them all. Grandpa had guest hunters from the next state over who did squirrel hunt and who proudly show me their bags full. There were about 40 acres of woods on the farm, plenty enough for good squirrel habitat with all the grain droppings they could find. The weakness of that rifle was the rear stock attachment to the receiver and eventually it broke off.
In order to preserve the rifle, I cast a resin handgrip and added an aluminum plate for a butt stock. The recess or dip in the stock makes it very comfortable to bring up to align the crosshairs and the hand is in a good position for trigger squeeze. The grey plastic pieces are just 3/4" electrical PVC slotted to slip onto the 1/8" thick aluminum. I never altered any mechanical part of the rifle, just made a new stock, so I think I'm safe in doing that. It sure made a more functional rifle from a family heirloom piece that is now 67 years old. That's a nice REX 4 X 32 AO scope, cheap, but just right for this application.
In order to preserve the rifle, I cast a resin handgrip and added an aluminum plate for a butt stock. The recess or dip in the stock makes it very comfortable to bring up to align the crosshairs and the hand is in a good position for trigger squeeze. The grey plastic pieces are just 3/4" electrical PVC slotted to slip onto the 1/8" thick aluminum. I never altered any mechanical part of the rifle, just made a new stock, so I think I'm safe in doing that. It sure made a more functional rifle from a family heirloom piece that is now 67 years old. That's a nice REX 4 X 32 AO scope, cheap, but just right for this application.
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Darn don't let the ATF see that rifle!
If that's in violation of some rule, we'd better not call attention to it. You think? Maybe just edit your comment and quote out?
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