New By Winchester (kochi) 1886 lever in 45-70 thoughts

[SwampWolf]

Shurpok, am I to assume you plan on hunting with a Model 1886 rifle? If so, my advice is to look for an "Extra Light Weight" variant, weighing in at 7.25 pounds, with a "shotgun" style butt stock. Yes, a lighter rifle will kick more than a heavier one but I seldom "feel" recoil when shots are taken while hunting but I feel every extra ounce when carrying a rifle all day. My Miroku-made Winchester Extra Light Weight Model 1886 handles and carries like a dream and I think is well worth looking for if you're after a big game rifle. I put a Williams "FoolProof" receiver sight on mine.

 

[Shurpok]

I have hunting rifles aplenty, but no black powder cartridge rifles. I hunted as a boy with a model 94 in the late 50s & early 60s. The Air Force sent me to North Dakota in the 70s where the deer were small and the distances great so I went with a scoped Remington 308 bushmaster. Moose and bear in Canada saw me carrying a Browning semi-auto carbine in 06 for close work in heavy brush & swamp country. I look to a challenge of hitting at long range with black powder. My eye sight is good and black powder is less forgiving than a flat shooting fast round like the MP-4 & SR-12 I use at the range in 5.56 just for fun. I hope to roll my own for my myoko sharps trapdoor in 45-90 and would love to complement it with an 1886 in the same caliber, if supplies of guns and boolit s ever improves. Probably about the same time that that South Dakota ammo factory that burnt down gets rebuilt. I’ve looked at light weight 1886s in 45-70 as well as carbines, so we’ll see which opportunities drop first. I may have to go door to door begging for a cup of large rifle primers before it’s over. Thanks for sharing. It’s been a fun trip. Oh and I understand about not feeling the kick of shots. My problem then is figuring out why and where so many rounds left my model 94 in 30-30 and where that second dead buck came from. I never even saw him when I shot the first one. No memory of firing two of the three empty cases on the ground. My only excuse is it was my first and I was only 14. Heck I didn’t even find the second one. My dad and brother were a ridge over and found the second one when coming over to find out what I was shooting at. The first one went down with a round in one ear and out the other although I have no memory after aiming of pulling the trigger and the second was down in knee high brush less than 20 yards from the first and must have been running and caught a round in the backbone. It’s also possible the first one was standing in front of the second and was hit by the first round and hopped a couple times before dropping. No slugs recovered from either one. Mystery has never been solved, but they both tasted as good.

 

[Micro]

I agree with Swampwolf. I have a Miroku-made Winchester 1886 Extra Light in .45-70. It's is simply perfect in every way. For carrying and hunting, it's the best 1886 variant.

 

[Shurpok]

Alright! Got the Winchester 1886 chambered in 45-90. Finding ammo is sure a chore. The brass has been on order since July and no they don’t have anything that could be stretched, cut down or necked out. Ditto LRPs. I watch a half dozen sources daily. Got plenty of 3-grease Groove bullets and I’ll get powder after everything else is ready. Picked up a rebel RCBS set and dies later on. Eventually found a lubrisizer. Splurged and got an electronic micrometer. I’ll drop pix of it and the 1860 Henry chambered for 44-40 I’ll pickup tonight, just as soon as my 11 Y O granddaughter shows me how on this smart (stupid) phone?

 

[Steve S.]

Congratulations on receiving your 1886 - 45-90 is a great and accurate BP cartridge.
Yesterday, I purchased a Winchester 1886 Short Rifle Takedown in 45-70; I should receive it tomorrow. I have owned one Miroku 1886 in years past, it was a finely made and accurate piece.
Your 45-90 chambering is the second most popular caliber with the Sharps rifle crowd; you will enjoy that rifle and that cartridge.

 

[Grumpy_old_Fart]

I want one in 40-82. I think a modern version would be neat.

 

[BRatigan]

My Miroku Winchester 45-70 Sporter takedown is as accurate as any gun I have in lever action. The quality is superb. I have 4 Mirokus, all excellent.

 

[Scooter22]

Great thread! I always liked the 1886 and have had several in hand I almost bought over the years in 45-70. Never pulled the trigger.(sorry) I have a Browning(Miroku) M71 .348 rifle and a Marlin .444 so I didn't need a 86. But now you started that itch again. Miroku are excellent quality.