Your Browning 1886 experience

[cowboy77845]

I am getting a Browning 1886 rifle in 45-70. Have wanted one for 30 yrs and finally bit the bullet. I know little about the cartridge , just think the rifle is cool. I am surprised at how pricey they are given the competition and the round. I figure in my hands its about a 100 yd. rifle. Probably will put a peep sight on it. Would appreciate any experiences you can relay.

 

[1KPerDay]

Jealous

 

[Scooter22]

Congrats.Very nice guns. I had one in my hands several times when they were first offered. I already had a Browning M71 .348 , Marlin .444 and 2 30-30s so I din't think I needed one. Well thats a regret. I just want to see what you get.

 

[cowboy77845]

It is the Montana Centennial model. I had bid on a Standard model and the bid zoomed right past mine with out even a "by your leave". Made an offer on the Montana model which was accepted. I thought it had no box or papers so was planning to shoot it now I find that it does have box and maybe papers. Will have to see. It is unfired. It is much prettier than the Standard model and I like pretty firearms a lot.

 

[Llama Bob]

I have a Browning model 1886 converted from .45-70 to .45-90 and a model 71(nearly the same rifle) converted from .348win to .50-110. Both have stock work for recoil management - the stock replaced on the 1886 to eliminate the crescent butt and a a limbsaver in its place. On the 71 I retained the stock but added a recoil pad and a mercury cylinder. Both now shoot comfortably with magnumized nitro loads, the .50-110 more so than the .45-90. Both are 26" octagon barrel rifles.

The Browning guns command a premium because they have the original 1886 ignition while the otherwise similar Winchester guns (both are made by Miroku) have a lawyer safety and rebounding hammer.

For sights, I've used a Skinner barrel peep sight and a Skinner receiver peep. I much prefer the receiver peep.

The .45-70 offers a wide range of performance from light black powder level loads to loads approaching African dangerous game levels. The 1886 is much stronger than most .45-70s and can take loads up to at least 40 KPSI pressure and some people go as high as 50 KPSI (which I believe is safe but not worth it). Hand loading is required for full performance. The ideal burn rate for most loads is in the service rifle range, so there's tons of powders that work well.

IMO the Browning 1886 and 71 are the best big lever actions ever made - strong, chambered in big cartridges, and highly reliable.

 

[az_imuth]

Congrats on a fine rifle! I have the regular SRC in 45-70 and love it. The only answer I can give you on whether or not you should shoot yours is yes, shoot it and then shoot it some more.

 

[Charlie98]

I just mentioned this in another thread... I had a Browning 1886 SRC, it was an excellent rifle. I sold it off to fund another acquisition, that 1886 remains the One Rifle I Regret Selling to this day. Like someone else mentioned, I also have a Browning 71, basically the same rifle, except mine is a 20" carbine... THAT rifle isn't going anywhere. The one thing that has stopped me from replacing my 1886, is the cost to get one, again. I bought mine for $700, new, and I think that's what I sold it for... probably about half or less of what good examples go for these days. The Browning is definitely the way to go... no silly stuff like the new Winchesters.

As far as ammunition for it, it depends on what you want to do with it. I used to load pretty stout loads for my 1886, but have since changed my tune since I've gotten into cast bullets and shooting steel... now my loads are in the 1400-1500fps range using slow pistol or fast rifle powders.

 

[Steve S.]

The 1886 manufactured by Miroku (Browning or Winchester) is a very well built albeit beefy lever gun. I owned the Winchester model in 45-70; it would shoot any 405 grain factory load (that I tried) into a touching group at 50 yards - a very fine rifle. Miroku makes “good stuff”; enjoy your new rifle.

 

[98s1lightning]

You wont be dissapointed with a Browning (Miroku) Reproduction. I have a Model 71 carbine that I wouldn't trade for any gun. I am hoping to get it checkered by Turnbull. My father has a 1886 full octagon full tube. We both love ours. He has said a perk about that real heavy rifle is has helped him walk slower and pay attention more when hunting on foot. HAH. Also he has always told me that off the shelf 45-70 ammo was generally very wimpy compared to what you can do at the reloading bench. I watched him hit a running 10pt one day, he hit it high, broke its back and took the thing right off its feet and it was DRT. Im not sure if you plan to hunt with it but its a devastating round. Congrats on your new family member.