Over the years I have owned a Ruger #3, a Winchester 1886 (same configuration as yours) and a Taylor's repro Sharps (28" octagon) in 45/70.

The Ruger had a "carbine" butt (curved, but not crescent) and was a dream to carry and a horror to shoot. The Sharps has a shotgun butt (wide and relatively flat) and is a dream to shoot and a horror to carry. It converted me from a still hunter to a stand hunter in one season.

The 86 hit both ways: too heavy to carry all day and it killed at both ends.

Winchester and Sharps preferred 405 grain loads, either factory or my cast handloads. Ruger liked 300 grain Remington Express or equivalent handloads.

Only the Sharps remains with me and is due for a trip to the range.

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I need ammo, not a ride.