Help me make a decision...

[OldBrownDog]

I've been looking for a .357 lever rifle for a long time. I have a line on both a new Winchester (Miroku) 1873 and a Browning B-92 in .357 Mag. I know the B-92 is lighter and stronger. But the '73 is certainly going to be strong enough, right? And, well, it's a new production Winchester-marked '73. Miroku makes nice stuff, even if it's not a Made in USA Winchester. Hard to pass that up. So, what do you guys think?

FYI - I will not be able to handle either gun before purchasing.

 

[HOOfan_1]

The B-92 would likely be made by Miroku as well.

I would think the 1873 would handle all factory ammo, and as long as you work up your load from the minimum, I am sure you would be fine reloading.

 

[OldBrownDog]

Thanks HOOfan. I had forgotten the Browning stuff is Miroku as well. D'oh.

I'm going to be using this rifle for general plinking, maybe some short range hunting, and home defense, etc. I'm leaning towards the '73 at this point.

 

[rcmodel]

Seems like a good way to lean.

I'd love to have one!!

rc

 

[BSA1]

FYI - I will not be able to handle either gun before purchasing.

Why not? I am hard pressed to think of more personal decision than what gun works best for you.

 

[OldBrownDog]

It's turns out I was mistaken, BSA. I had found the '73 at a Cabela's, which was not near my house. I called them up and figured $25 to transfer it to a closer one so I could handle it before purchase was worth it. While there, I'll simply look over any 1892's or clones in the store and compare. Not quite the exact B-92, but close enough.