Winchester 1885 vs Browning 1885

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tomhenry

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I've owned two Browning falling block rifles (B78s), a 6mm w/octagonal barrel and a 22-250 with heavy round barrel. They both had the monte carlo stock which meant the cheekpiece was for a right handed shooter. I no longer own them.

Now I want another. Only I want it in a medium to big game caliber like 30-06 or 270, but with no monte carlo cheekpiece.

For the Browning, that configuration is extremely rare. But I just discovered Winchester makes/made the 1885 in plenty of versatile calibers, and all without the cheekpiece.

How does the Winchester stack up to the Browning?

thanx
 
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John Browning actually designed the original 1885 Winchester. (At least that's what Winchester named it when they bought the rights). Browning made a number of them in his shop in Utah and some are still around. The 1885 or Highwall Winchester was made in many calibers from 1885 until 1920. It was also made in the Lowwall version.
The new Brownings I'm sure are good rifles, but the originals are Classics.
A good reference is the book The Winchester Single-Shot by John Campbell. I like it because my Dad is referenced in it several times.:)
 
I've handled a few Brownings over the years, I never liked the MonteCarlo cheek piece on any rifle, but the overall quality was good and they were accurate.
I currently own a Winchester 'Hunter' 1885 in .45-70, while I haven't shot it much (lack of time) what little range time I've had with it is promising.
I set it up with a Leupold 2 x6 power 30mm GE #4 reticle thinking it wouldn't be used as an ultra long range gun, that seems to work well.
The fit and finish are excellent, long 28" barrel (octagon, I believe it to be 28" but could be wrong) is heavy but stable. Definatly not something you would use as a Stalking Rifle.
From the bench the first few shot's groped well. It was very cold that day and not condusive to accurate shooting, so I really couldn't give it the time it needs. I cast a 405g bullet for this and want to work up as accurate a load as I can, but like most of us time is the pressing issue.
Good luck on your search, I think you'll have more luck finding the Winchester than the Browning you want but won't be dissapointed with either.
RD
 
I own a Browning 1885 in 30/06. I am also a lefty. I was after a B78 when I ran across this one and find I like it better. They are out there, but seem a bit harder to find than the B78's. Mine is a great looker and very accurate with its weight taming recoil quite well. I also like the user adjustable trigger. Never handled or shot the Winchester version but I will stick with the Browning.
 
I own a few of the Brownings.... I've got OCD. I'm still kicking myself for not buying the 7mm Rem mag in Wyoming wildlife commemorative. Last weekend a guy had one at the gun show in .30-06, but he wanted $899 for it. Probably too much. And he didn't have the sling swivels. I'd probably kill someone and steal them if I see another set. :)

In medium calibers, they are probably pretty good. I have a bunch in .45-70 with the recoil absorbing steel butt plate. It makes it a pleasure to shoot.. :(

But my "front line gun" is the first one I ever bought. Its a B78 that came with scope mounts installed, but no scope. So I found a brand new Leupold in 1-4x variable, a perfect match to the gun. I like it because I can put 3 shots into the shield on a Miller Lite can. It does it very repeatably. Just an accurate .45-70, a great caliber.

I've also got one of the 1776-1976 Bicentennial versions. Its got the prettiest wood of any gun I've ever owned. But its unfired (an it doesn't have the quick detatch swivels, either.)

Somewhere I've got one in .22-250 caliber with a huge scope. Its noisy.

Browning guns are pleasant to look at. I'll buy another when I see one priced cheaply enough.

I have no idea why we just latch on to a model of gun and just won't let go. I've had this problem for a long time now, and I plan on continuing the illness.
 
I really like the 1885's. Both Browning and Winchester modern models are made in Japan by Miroku. Both are fine products, and shoot very well. And are the same mechanically. there was some differences in the safety and rebounding hammer in some models.

The major differences are in the stock, and in the sights that come with the rifle. And in some cases no sights come with the rifle. The 30-06 you want will probably come without sights.

I don't like the B-78's because they have a Monte Carlo and I am a LH shooter. But Browning also made some other 1885's with diferent stocks. Below are a couple of pictures of ones with different style stocks.

Find one you like and buy it. They are a fantastic rifle. I really enjoy carrying and hunting with mine. My new Low Wall in 45 Colt has become my favorite rifle. Tom.

IMG_0583.jpg


IMG_0579.jpg


IMG_0117.jpg


IMG_0116.jpg
 
As to both brands being made in the same plant: I have a Browning 1886 [made 1986] and a Winchester 86 [made 2005 or so] the out sides are both things of beauty, the insides on the other hand are drasticly different!!! The winny has the worst action I have ever levered. The specs of the brands can and do differ greatly.
 
I do not believe you can compare the 1885 to the 1886. The Browning 1886 was a limited run of rifles done a good while back. They were not even making any Winchester 1886's when the Browning's were available. Then Browning actually bought Winchester(who they were afiiliated with before the purchase with barrels). After that the Winchester 1886 was available but the Browning was not. So basically there was no current production of the Browning. And they were not built at the same time. Winchester brought out the lawyer safety that the Browning did not have(tang safety). Along with the rebounding hammer. If Browning 1886's were made again they would also be different than the other 1886's they built. And would probably be the same as the Winchester. Just a different finish and possibly different stock options. Just like the 1885. Tom.
 
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