Winchester 1886 Extra Light

[AethelstanAegen]

I've decided to sell off my AKs. Given the current market value for them and how little I shoot them, it only made sense. I've decided to treat myself though and buy a gun from my dream gun list (ie guns that I've always drooled over but never quite seem to have it in the budget to get).

One of those in the running is the Winchester 1886 Extra Light. I was interested to get people's opinions on these rifles. Are the reports of the rebounding hammer causing light strikes exaggerated? I'm planning to be able to hand load for this rifle and I'd like to use black powder loads as often as possible. Is it it a pain to clean the 1886? Basically, for those of you who own one, are they worth the high price (I'm probably going to buy through Buffalo Arms, so a little north of $1000). Any tips/observations would be much appreciated.

 

[SwampWolf]

I've had one for several years now and I have not experienced any "light strikes". I use mostly factory ammunition to hunt deer with in Pa and Mi and can attest to the 45-70's reputation as a deer-getter. My Miroku-made, reproduction Winchester exhibits superb workmanship and is well-finished (I subjectively prefer the Winchester's oil-finish over the Browning high-gloss iteration). The rifle is no harder to clean than are other Winchester classic lever-action rifles, like the models 92, 71 and 94.
Like most of my lever-action rifles, I have a Williams "Foolproof" receiver sight installed on my "Extra Light Weight" Model 1886 and I had sling swivel studs installed on the butt-stock and magazine tube. I don't know why any rifle made for hunting doesn't come with them (swivel studs) from the factory and noticed that the new Winchester Model 71 renditions don't come with them either. A pity.

 

[Onmilo]

I have sold a lot of my "A-Salt" rifles off over the years, my '86 ELW is a never sell!
I got rid of the Buckhorn rear and added a Lyman Target Aperture sight and adding sling swivels and a good sling is definitely a worthwhile addition as well.

The barrel is very good quality, with fast and shallow rifling & the gun likes bullets in the 400-475 grain range.
If you plan on cast lead, cast them HARD for best accuracy.
Who ever came up with the "rebounding hammer causes misfires" myth never actually owned one of these Miroku made rifles.
I have had two others besides this one and not one of them ever misfired, not ever, not even a little bit.


You could consider this rifle as a Trapdoor Springfield Carbine, only waaaay better. Five shots, ability to handle much heavier loads, and very comparable weight.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

That's purty.