Miroku Journey

[Steve S.]

Long/ short: purchased an 1892 Trapper Takedown (neat little rifle in .45 Colt) in Dec. of 2020 - noted several cosmetic problems upon arrival - returned to Morgan, UT for a four month repair. The rifle was then returned to me - the next problem was that the CC finish would rub off the receiver with a simple wipe down so the rifle was then returned to Arnold, MO for repair. The rifle was then declared not repairable (assigned to status “Manager Gun” and then “Cremation”) - rifle was replaced with a new unit that I received in Sept. of 2021.
The replacement rifle had cosmetic problems (dings in butt stock and crescent butt plate fitted poorly). The rifle was immediately returned to Arnold, MO for repairs where there was no activity on their tracking site until about two weeks ago. Rifle was repaired and ready for final inspection and shipping. Then to my surprise three days ago, the rifle status was changed to a “Manager Gun” just like the first rifle. I suspect that there is something majorly wrong with this rifle also and it’s next status will be “Cremation” and “Replace”.
So I have owned this model rifle for 14 months with no end in sight of actually having possession of a properly assembled and finished unit - if what I suspect will happen next, I will have to wait for another replacement (third rifle) unit whenever Miroku does another run of that model. This is all amazing to me.
In turn, I purchased an 1886 Deluxe Short Rifle Takedown (45-70) this November past that arrived with cosmetic problems - it is now also sitting at the Arnold, MO facility awaiting repairs.
These are both very neat rifle designs, to me they are worth the extra money but please give me the traditional Miroku quality, fit and finish. To Winchester’s credit, I never get an argument or question - they religiously continue to stand behind their product but darn, please manufacture them correctly the first time!

 

[HowieG]

If you had bought your two rifles from, say, Cimarron, you would probably be happily shooting them right now.

 

[sequins]

Thats a shame, I want a Miroku 30-30 some day but like you I want a nice proper one. I hope your odyssey ends swiftly.

 

[Obturation]

They need to bring production back to the states and just charge what it costs. They're a great design but I can't justify a rifle made by folks who can't own guns, no way they can understand our long tradition of gun culture here

 

[HowieG]

They need to bring production back to the states and just charge what it costs. They're a great design but I can't justify a rifle made by folks who can't own guns, no way they can understand our long tradition of gun culture here

Boy, I'm not going that far. The Japanese are the most perfectionist people on earth in my opinion. On top of that, Miroku has been making guns since 1893. I don't know what is going on with them really, but I suspect it's a Covid disruption same as everywhere else.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

You are merely buying a name that todays quality doesn't match up to. The 73 rifles are nice but they completely flubbed up the design and not like an original 1873 Winchester. To the point you can't even use a current production 1873 in some of the cowboy action reenactment groups. The Italians do a much better job at reproducing those old guns, especially when getting them through the better importers like Cimarron.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

Boy, I'm not going that far. The Japanese are the most perfectionist people on earth in my opinion. On top of that, Miroku has been making guns since 1893. I don't know what is going on with them really, but I suspect it's a Covid disruption same as everywhere else.

It's not covid.

Miroku build some really nice guns, the Browning A bolts and the like from 20 years ago are some of the best rifles I've owned but when it comes to some of the features on these older design guns they have really dropped the ball in recent years before covid came about.

 

[JCooperfan1911]

Miroku quality isn’t the same as yesteryear.

A new SA22 had terribly crooked sights. Browning held on to it for well over 6 months. I called a demanded a new rifle be sent, which they obliged to.

The takedown mechanism on the new one would not hold snug and would loosen after less than 50 rounds fired, causing the barrel to wobble around. I tried everything in the book to fit it but turns out it’s a common problem on the newer Miroku guns. The quality/tolerances just aren’t there anymore it seems.

Sold it and I will not be buying any new Miroku products. Dad has a Miroku BSS in 20 gauge from the 70s/80s and it’s a superb firearm. Wouldn’t hesitate to buy an older one, but now, yeah no.

 

[HowieG]

Well, that's good to know about Miroku. I haven't bought any Browning products in many years. Come to think of it, I know of other Japanese companies that have been back sliding on quality. Subaru and Nissan come to readily to mind.

 

[gotboostvr]

It's not covid.

Miroku build some really nice guns, the Browning A bolts and the like from 20 years ago are some of the best rifles I've owned but when it comes to some of the features on these older design guns they have really dropped the ball in recent years before covid came about.

I've really come to like the ABI/II's. Really about the epitome of what a hunting rifle should be. I think them cheapening the ABIII's was what killed it. Should have just left them alone.

 

[Charlie98]

I think them cheapening the ABIII's was what killed it. Should have just left them alone.

Kind of like the Savage Model 10's... there's Model 10's... and then there's Model 10's.

I have owned 2 Miroku rifles... an early 1886 SRC in .45-70, and still have my 71 in .348... fantastic rifles! It's a shame production is slipping... you would think with modern technology tolerances could be tighter, even, than the '80's and '90's guns.

 

[Frostbite]

It has been a few posts I read mentioning lower quality from Miroku. The first time, I thought it was bad luck: every company makes a lemon once in a century. Now, it seems to become more than that one lemon post. That is a shame, they used to make some of the nicest rifles and shotguns. After CZ let go their wood and blued steel marvels and Miroku slipping down on quality, I am feeling older. Sure, Sako is still right there, but at what cost and for how long? I guess I better pile up more money for my next rifle.

 

[I6turbo]

I've had none of those types of problems with any brands, but then again, almost every gun I buy was built sometime between 1950 and 2010.

 

[cfullgraf]

Sorry to hear the OP has had issues with Miroku rifles. Over the past three years or so, I've purchased three Browning 725's (20 ga, 28 ga and .410 bore) and a Winchester 1873, all made by Miroku and they function flawlessly and have no cosmetic issues. The last one was purchased in 2020.

 

[Grumpy_old_Fart]

I only had to send my1885 back twice. I feel fortunate...

So far.

I saw a b78 today at a gun show.. 2011 RMEF commemorative. They were asking 1900. It was beautiful.

I hope my 1885 holds it's value that well

 

[DustyGmt]

I've really come to like the ABI/II's. Really about the epitome of what a hunting rifle should be. I think them cheapening the ABIII's was what killed it. Should have just left them alone.

Yeah I have an ABII made in the late 90's I believe. Stamped "Miroku Japan" and it is a beautiful rifle and a tack driver in .270

 

[Sarge7402]

My Rossi 92trapper in 45 Colt is just a Joy to behold. Also cycles like Hot Grease on a skillet

 

[BRatigan]

All I can say is that after 4 Mirokus I have purchased, all Winchester starting in the eighties right up to this past year, each has been flawless and as good as any of my original Winchesters. The fit and finish are perfect. They are accurate as can be with modern tech. I guess I am the lucky one. Sorry for all of your troubles with your Mirokus.

 

[Steve S.]

UPDATE (2/8/22): My 1886 was returned to me today - UGH! - the repaired rifle was in worse cosmetic condition than when I originally sent it in for repair - the butt plate was mounted off-center (proud metal on right side, proud wood on left side). So another call to Arnold, MO., another return label and another trip to UPS for me.
While on the phone, I asked about my 1892 that has been in repair status since December of 2020 (right at 14 months). I was told that this second replacement 1892 rifle I returned was also not repairable and in turn, also not replaceable - no parts available and the model is not going to be produced anymore. I was offered a full refund of what I paid for the rifle OR, a replacement 1892 model of my choice. I chose the new SHOT Show 1892 Deluxe Takedown 24” barrel in .45 Colt (a much more expensive model than what I had but I could have it at no extra charge because of my exceptional patience) - the only caveat is that this new model will not be available until November of this year - so I wait again for the second trip of my 1886 and the second replacement 1892 rifle - 2X UGH!
I must say, the gentleman on the phone was extremely apologetic - I could hear genuine frustration in his voice and he kept thanking me for my ongoing patience - I am a very patient person and besides, the man on the phone was trying his best to help me. I did ask if Miroku was having quality problems or if I was just unlucky. He replied that all he could say was that these were trying times for Browning and Winchester (and Miroku) but, he guaranteed me satisfaction in the end. Again even after what I have been thru, I somewhat felt sorry for the guy - he was trying so hard and he was very forthright in our conversation - so again I wait and we shall see what happens.

 

[Grumpy_old_Fart]

At least the guy has good customer service skills.

 

[Seedy Character]

Wow

I have 2 Browning's, but they are 40+ yo and beautiful rifles.

I have never returned a firearm to many manufacturer, but I have only bought 2 sight unseen.

Good luck.

 

[HowieG]

UPDATE (2/8/22): My 1886 was returned to me today - UGH! - the repaired rifle was in worse cosmetic condition than when I originally sent it in for repair - the butt plate was mounted off-center (proud metal on right side, proud wood on left side). So another call to Arnold, MO., another return label and another trip to UPS for me.
While on the phone, I asked about my 1892 that has been in repair status since December of 2020 (right at 14 months). I was told that this second replacement 1892 rifle I returned was also not repairable and in turn, also not replaceable - no parts available and the model is not going to be produced anymore. I was offered a full refund of what I paid for the rifle OR, a replacement 1892 model of my choice. I chose the new SHOT Show 1892 Deluxe Takedown 24” barrel in .45 Colt (a much more expensive model than what I had but I could have it at no extra charge because of my exceptional patience) - the only caveat is that this new model will not be available until November of this year - so I wait again for the second trip of my 1886 and the second replacement 1892 rifle - 2X UGH!
I must say, the gentleman on the phone was extremely apologetic - I could hear genuine frustration in his voice and he kept thanking me for my ongoing patience - I am a very patient person and besides, the man on the phone was trying his best to help me. I did ask if Miroku was having quality problems or if I was just unlucky. He replied that all he could say was that these were trying times for Browning and Winchester (and Miroku) but, he guaranteed me satisfaction in the end. Again even after what I have been thru, I somewhat felt sorry for the guy - he was trying so hard and he was very forthright in our conversation - so again I wait and we shall see what happens.

And that, my friends, is how businesses fail....

 

[Obturation]

Get a Henry to hold you over.

 

[arsterling180]

I wonder if Miroku is having running into the issue where its machine tools need serious reinvestment.

 

[stringnut]

Miroku is not what they used to be. I have an older 1885 in 22lr. Would is nice and properly finished. My brother has had a couple of model 71 Brownings and they were good also. For the last several years the finish and fit of the wood has gone way down hill. Poor fit to any metal, pores not filled before finishing , etc. one fine example had spots on the stock that were shiny and others that were dull with open grain.

Looked at an 1885 in 6.5 Creedmoor a few weeks ago. The opens in the grain , on the stock, were unbelievable. I would not have hauled it home and the clerk agreed. The forearm was flawless and show what they can really do. Last weekend the rifle was gone. The clerk said someone bought it because that’s how the finish was in the old days! No it wasn’t.