Picked up a Browning 1886 yesterday

[SLT223]

This is one of the guns made back in 1986 by Miroku. It looks quite a bit nicer than what's currently coming out of that plant with the Winchester name. The fit and finish on this rifle is top shelf. It has, more or less, the original 1886 mechanics with a one piece firing pin, no tang safety, and no rebounding hammer. This particular gun appears unfired...but not for long You don't really see these for sale too frequently on a shelf (first I've ever seen one on a shelf), so I didn't hesitate too much. I think this is my new favorite rifle in inventory.

And here's some 1886 porn

 

[perrazi]

they are nicer. don't have the safety on the tang either. same for the 1895's.

 

[Doug627]

I bought one a couple of years ago and love it. It has a very smooth action and enough weight to reduce recoil.

 

[rburg]

I had 2 of them, but sold the carbine length gun. That leaves me with the Montana Centennial version. Its kind of too flashy and I generally dislike the commemorative guns, but this was too nice to pass up. Yes, I shot it and its smooth and an accurate gun. The Miroku produced guns are all first rate. Wish we could say that about USA produced products. The OP has a nice gun, and I bet when he goes to shoot it, he'll even be more in love with it.

 

[boatme99]

Sweet!
I had one of the 1895s

 

[CptCurl]

I like the Browning renditions much better than the Winchester branded repros. Can't live with the tang safety.

The last couple years I have been having a grand time with a Win. Model 71 Deluxe made in 1946 I picked up on GB. I love the .348 cartridge and dearly love the rifle. Mine has the bolt aperture sight, a real bonus.

I just made a deal on a Win. Mod. 1892 made in 1902 and chambered in .32-20. It should come by UPS in the coming week. Just had to get the little brother!

I really like your Browning.

Curl

 

[scooter123]

I have an original 1904 date 1892 re-barreled in 357 Magnum by Winchester and I would expect that your 1886 features a Rebounding Hammer. However, I also expect that what was once called a Rebounding Hammer differs from your understanding of what this feature is exactly. Back when the originals were produced a hammer with a Half Cock position was called a Rebounding Hammer. Rather different that what we have today where a Rebounding Hammer is a hammer that retracts slightly when the trigger is allowed to return fully forward. So, carry your 1886 proudly with the hammer at half cock and if anyone asks it's a Rebounding Hammer by the 1886 Definition of this feature.

 

[Grayfox]

I have one of the Browning 1886 Saddle Ring Carbines. Great rifle!
I'd like to know who the dummy was that thought a curved steel butt plate would be good on a .45-70?
Contact this guy at Levergun Leather. One of his butt covers makes shooting this beast a whole lot better.

 

[rburg]

I'd like to know who the dummy was that thought a curved steel butt plate would be good on a .45-70?

You've missed the correct terminology on these guns. Its called a recoil absorbing steel butt plate!

 

[Fishinfool]

Nice rifle SLT223. I had one of the similar Browning model 71's from that era, and it was a very nice rifle. It was a toss up at the time, but decided I liked the flat shotgun butt better on the 71. Those first run 1980's Brownings are about as good as it gets for an original style Winchester big bore lever action, without spending the big $$ for an original. Frankly, the quality and fit and finish is just as good, and maybe better.

Larry

 

[jag312]

I got mine in 1987, and it sure didn't stay unfired for long. I have good memories of the sunny summer day when I first took it to the range.

Some of the originals were special ordered with shotgun butt plates. I have frequently thought about having the rifle restocked like that.

 

[steveno]

the Browning 1886 is a nice rifle however the 1886 has to be reason why god created horses as I sure wouldn't want to carry it very far. I would rather the horse carried it. it is heavy

 

[gmiller0737]

I have 1 too, So far it's unfired & I still have the box & stuff + a box of ammo maybe 1 day I will get it to the range.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I bought mine NIB in August of 1987 at the local gun store. I paid $550 out the door (August is often hard times for gun shops). I was wondering what a like new one was selling for now. Mine is far from unfired, but I will say, that with target hand loads it is perhaps one of the most accurate rifles I have owned (I have target rifles that shoot .3 MOA at 1000 yards) I have won a number of events with my 1886 and am sure yours will not disappoint you! I had a USRA 1886 made in 2005 also by Mariuku. It was a take-down in 45-90 and 1 of 505 made, It was a piece of junk, operating the lever would jerk the rifle from your shoulder. I talked to the guy in NY (Turnbull) about working on it, he or his rep assured me they would have it smoothed out but the price was about 3 times what I paid new for the gun. So I sold it off this last summer.

I have found my Browning 1886 likes 300 and 405 grain bullets, both cast and jacketed, and at most velocities safe for lever actions. Just be sure that no copper fouling remains before switching to cast bullets. I haven't used Black Powder in my 1886 because I didn't want to clean it. but IMR 3031, Accurate 5744, and Trail Boss have all been outstanding. Lyman's 45th edition has a "Accuracy Load" in the lever action section for 405 cast, that shoots fantastic- it is a hunting powered load. Don't think you need maximum speed loads, Black Powder velocities will shoot through Buffalo and large bears. That I believe, will cure whatever ails you! Have fun! Ivan

 

[samwood]

I really appreciate the Browning reproductions.

I've got a 1886 carbine (agree with the comment about the crescent buttplate; don't think the curved carbine buttplate is quite as bad), M71 carbine (like the flat buttplate), 1895 in 30-40, and M53 in 32-20. All previously owned and purchased for about $600 each a few years back; high quality firearms that are enjoyable to use.

Little collector's value for any of my Brownings; they've all been modified with aftermarket sites. The 1886 and 71 carbines sport receiver sights; the 1895 has a Peabody (climbing Lyman reproduction) and the M53 has a tang sight.

I predict SLT223 will enjoy his rifle; I know I like mine.

 

[Stevie]

I bought the saddle-ring carbine version used but nice with box.

Great shooting .45-70...I'm guessing the rifle version shoots just as well

 

[model70hunter]

Nice find. The Browning 1886 is on my grail list. I've never owned one. I had a Marlin 1895 pre cross safety and loved it. It was light enough to carry. I killed a bunch of deer with it. There is a complete lack of blood shot meat high speed bullets leave.

 

[THREEDFLYER]

Nice gun!
I have a friend who wants to sell his Browning 1886 SRC in like new condition if anyone out there is interested! No box, but does not appear to have been used. I was considering buying it.....but then a pair of Schofield's came along and absorbed my bank account!

 

[CptCurl]

Nice gun!
I have a friend who wants to sell his Browning 1886 SRC in like new condition if anyone out there is interested! No box, but does not appear to have been used. I was considering buying it.....but then a pair of Schofield's came along and absorbed my bank account!

What's the ask on it? I might be interested.

Curl