Winchester or Browning 1886

[LittleBear]

Anyone have any practical experience with either the Winchester 1886 Extra Light or the Browning 1886 in 45/70, pros or cons?

I have not been impressed by the US Repeating Arms ownership of Winchester in the past. The Brownings I have owned and currently own are rather "complicated" as to their internal workings, and are a bit finicky overall. Fine shooters, and reliable, just finicky at times.

I understand that Mr. John Moses Browning designed both back in the day, and operationally should be quite similar. Unfortunately US Repeating futzed around and added "features" not in the original, and wondering if Browning did the same?

 

[Inpursuit]

I have a Winchester 1886

I have one of the winchester varieties and am really pleased with it. It is in 45-70. Shoots where you point it and is smooth cycling. The one I have has had the tang safety removed and a brass insert installed where the safety was. It looks good. It is overall a good rifle.

 

[bfoosh006]

I own a Browning Carbine in 45/70, with the exception of the safety, it is true to the original design. It is very accurate, never a hiccup in use. I will NEVER sell that one. If I could afford a "Take-Down" version of it, I'd buy it in a second.

 

[SwampWolf]

I have the Winchester "Extra Light" variant. I had studs for quick detachable swivels installed and a Williams "FoolProof" receiver sight mounted on it. It continues to be one of my favorite "deep woods/brush" rifles.