[eaglesnest]

While I love guns with levers in general, I will always choose those made in USA first. As Marlin continues to self destruct under the 3 headed dog banner (Cerberus) I may not have much else to choose from, unless Henry starts producing 45-70's..

 

[wavehopr]

mario, the Winchester you reference is a 22" barrel model with a short mag. To compare apples to apples, we need to know the weight of a like equipped '86 - full mag and 26" barrel.

 

[mario]

mario, the Winchester you reference is a 22" barrel model with a short mag. To compare apples to apples, we need to know the weight of a like equipped '86 - full mag and 26" barrel.

My reading in the thread shows that the question was mainly directed at modern made 1886s (primarily the Japanese-made models) and modern made 1895s. The basic 1895 has a 22" barrel and a half mag, the Guide gun same mag and shorter barrel.

Winchester 1886 ELW- 7.25lbs

Marlin 1895- About 7lbs

Marlin 1895G-About 6.75lbs

It's an exact apples to apples comparison.

Mario

 

[wavehopr]

mario, you are correct and I stand corrected. Unfortunately, I was in Cowboy mode and was thinking about the 1895CB.

 

[mario]

mario, you are correct and I stand corrected. Unfortunately, I was in Cowboy mode and was thinking about the 1895CB.

No problem.

In that case, your looking at a full 2 lb difference, or more. That's why Winchester developed the LW and ELW versions.

Mario

 

[gunnut]

I have both a Japanese 86 and a Marlin 95cb. Both rifles shoot the same cartridge, have barrels the same length, but have
two very distinct characters. The cb is light, easy to work on, and has the feel of a modern firearm. The 86 has a certain massivity
and weight that for me actually aides in shooting. The cresent buttplate on the 86 has not cause me any problems, in fact with its
greater weight I find it much more comfortable to shoot with stout loads than the 95cb. The 86 feels just like the old time rifles. Don't tell
me that it is too heavy. Check out the weight of the old Hawken Rifles and Kentuckys. Those were 9-11 pound rifles. I have carried
my 86 all day with no problem. Soldiers toted the old M1 Garand through all kinds of stuff and still did a good job killing the enemy.
While the 95cb is easy to dissasemble and work on, I have to say that the 86 has always functioned perfectly. The 95, not so much.
It is smooth and slick now, but that is because I worked on the action. Don't get me wrong, the 95 is a wonderful rifle, but my 86,
that is the finest rifle I have ever owned.
I have to agree with you on the 86, i have both the marlin cb 26 inch barrel and a browning 1886 no tang safety or rebounding hammer. I love em both by the way. the 86 has one strong action and smooth, the cb is strong too but theirs something about the 1886, ive weighed the cowboy on a digital scale and it weighs 7.9 lbs, havent weighed the 86 but it is heavier no doubt about it but not too heavy to carry in the field. i dont have any doubts about the 1886 handeling 45-50cup although i dont go that high but it'ss handel it.Both are very fine rifles and i shoot them both equally.

 

[gunnut]

The only modification I made to the 1886 was to the wood. I didnt care for the epoxy finish that came on it so i stripped it off and put an oil finish on it. But the cowboy will always be my baby.

 

[Bill2311]

I have owned a Browning 1886, do own two Winchester 1886 rifles and a Marlin 1895 XLR. I prefer the pistol grip of the Marlin. I also like the stainless steel and laminated stock. However the action of the Winchesters are much smoother. The Browning had a cresent steel butt plate which dug into my shoulder when shooting. I sold it to help pay for one of the Winchesters. Both of the Winchesters have the shotgun style butt plate. The recoil pad of the Marlin is nice for extended shooting sessions. The Browning was one of the originals without the safety. However I like the crossbolt safety on the Marlin for loading/unloading the rifle with gloves. Once in the stand I rely only on the hammer safety.

 

[EKTucker]

Wavhopr,

my full size take-down 86 weighs about 9.5 lbs unloaded. A few years ago US Repeating Arms made a run of the 86 extra lights.
These are much lighter and have the shotgun style buttplate.
I prefer buying made in the US also, but these 86s are really nice rifles I think. I wish it didn't have the rebounding hammer and tang safety,
but I enjoy the rifle so much that those things just don't bother me.
I don't know why, but the crescent butt plate just doesn't bother me. I would not want it on a light rifle however.
Now, I have to say that the Marlin 95cb is a real nice rifle. I was at first angered that it often jammed, but then after smoothing the action
the jamming stopped and it is the smoothest lever that I have. Both rifles are great, they are just different.
A friend recently picked up a Browning 86 (full length rifle) in new condition for $1,000. That was a very low price, but
even at the low price it is more than the Marlin.
ET

 

[lewk416]

Resurrecting an old thread as I find the topic interesting. I have a Winchester 1886 Short Rifle. It has a 24" inch barrel and magazine tube with an empty weight of 8lbs 6oz. Load it up and it's noticeably heavier; at least for me (getting older). The rifle is best described as beautiful. The metal work is second to none along with fit and finish. However, I took it out hunting, once. As most of my hunting is in the fall in wooded conditions (along with a healthy dose of snow) this rifle is just too long and heavy to be carrying around. Maybe if sitting in a stand somewhere it'd be great for those longer shots. Also, I found the curved butt on this thing a little hard on the shoulder when shooting. It is a little easier with one of Terry's butt cuffs though!
I also own a Marlin 1895SS (JM), scoped. I find it more comfortable to carry around and easier on the shoulder, even though it is lighter. Harvested my first doe with this rifle so it has some history with me. Cleaning is a breeze too!
However, my latest go to rifle for hunting is my Browning BLR in 450 Marlin. It's a stainless take down model with iron sights. Ammo selection sucks however I do like the Hornady stuff anyway. Not reloading this calibre at the moment either. No need to as I only use it for hunting and a box of ammo lasts me a while. I use mainly bolt rifles at the range and will reload that stuff.

There are far more of you that are much more experienced hunters and shooters than I. All I can state here is what works for me in my more limited experience. The BLR just feels right when I carry and shoot it. The 1895SS is a very close second and as such will continue to go hunting with me. As for the 1886? Well, it's mainly a 'looking at' rifle now. Glad I have one though and don't plan on selling it either.

cheers,

 

[North country gal]

As long as we're resurrecting this old thread, I might as well chime in with the Browning (no tang, no rebounding hammer) version we picked up, over the winter, unfired, but no box.

This is one of the most beautiful rifles I've owned, period, in terms of fit and finish, metal work, blueing and so on. The action is smooth as silk and getting more so now that I've shot it a little. Yes, it is a very heavy rifle, at least for me as a gal, but it does balance quite well, just forward of the receiver, even with its heavy 26" octagon barrel.

I replaced the factory buckhorn with a Skinner barrel mount peep so I could get better visibility with the bead front sight. I did, however, have to change out to a taller front sight - unusual for a Skinner barrel mount.

First time out, I started off with some Wisconsin cartridge company 300 grain factory loads. Figured these would be pretty standard factory hunting loads. Not so. With an advertised 2100 fps with the 300 grain bullets, recoil was not pleasant. Switched to Federal and Winchester loads with 300 grain bullets at about 1850 fps and recoil was more manageable.

The biggest thrill for me has been the accuracy of this gun with factory loads, using the above peep sight. After getting the Skinner adjusted, close, at 50 yards, shot the bottom group. Added in half a turn with the Skinner and shot the top group. Don't know if I can do any better with hand loads, tough I'll try. Don't know that I could do any better with a scope, either, but this gun will NEVER see a scope, I promise you that.

Oh, yeah, I am now looking for a marlin 45-70 to add to the collection, too.

 

[STK]

I believe you are correct that the 86's are made in Japan. Last I knew, you could get at least two 1895 Marlins for the price of one 1886 Winchester. I don't believe the Winchesters are twice Years ago, I was into S&W revolvers, especially nickel plated ones. About the time I was ready to get a model 57 41Mag(1980), the price skyrocketed. I could get two Ruger Blackhawks for the price of one S&W. Been shooting Blackhawks ever since. Think I'd go for the Marlin.

Jeff
NRA Life

57's in Nickel ( or blue) today are high money. If you thought they were high then.... not.

Shoulda bought one.

 

[lewk416]

As long as we're resurrecting this old thread, I might as well chime in with the Browning (no tang, no rebounding hammer) version we picked up, over the winter, unfired, but no box.

This is one of the most beautiful rifles I've owned, period, in terms of fit and finish, metal work, blueing and so on. The action is smooth as silk and getting more so now that I've shot it a little. Yes, it is a very heavy rifle, at least for me as a gal, but it does balance quite well, just forward of the receiver, even with its heavy 26" octagon barrel.

I replaced the factory buckhorn with a Skinner barrel mount peep so I could get better visibility with the bead front sight. I did, however, have to change out to a taller front sight - unusual for a Skinner barrel mount.

First time out, I started off with some Wisconsin cartridge company 300 grain factory loads. Figured these would be pretty standard factory hunting loads. Not so. With an advertised 2100 fps with the 300 grain bullets, recoil was not pleasant. Switched to Federal and Winchester loads with 300 grain bullets at about 1850 fps and recoil was more manageable.

The biggest thrill for me has been the accuracy of this gun with factory loads, using the above peep sight. After getting the Skinner adjusted, close, at 50 yards, shot the bottom group. Added in half a turn with the Skinner and shot the top group. Don't know if I can do any better with hand loads, tough I'll try. Don't know that I could do any better with a scope, either, but this gun will NEVER see a scope, I promise you that.

Oh, yeah, I am now looking for a marlin 45-70 to add to the collection, too.

Nice! :biggrin:

 

[pricedo]

Winchester (Miroku) 1886 Extra Light

I have a Winchester 1886 Extra Light and 2 Guide Guns (1895GS + 1895G.)

The Winchester doesn't hunt or carry much & spends a lot of time in the safe. The 1886 Extra Light weighs 7 pounds and 4 ounces.

The big bores I use mostly are a Browning BLR take down in 450 Marlin and the two Guide Guns in 45-70.
Most of the preference is an eye thing with me because the BLR and two Guide Guns are both scoped.
The Guide Guns and BLR take down are also more portable for travel in bush planes, ATVs and pack-sacks - especially the BLR take down for obvious reasons.

Most days on the hunting trail you'll find me with my trusty 336C in 35 Rem with the 2-7x34mm Leupold scope on top.
I'm about to commit sacrilege according to the gun rag gospel but I'll openly declare in front of God and man right here and now that I'd feel comfortable in the bush hunting any North American game with my 336C/35 Rem.

Both the Guide Guns and the 1886 are really slick & accurate.

 

[gadjolever]

As long as we're resurrecting this old thread, I might as well chime in with the Browning (no tang, no rebounding hammer) version we picked up, over the winter, unfired, but no box.

This is one of the most beautiful rifles I've owned, period, in terms of fit and finish, metal work, blueing and so on. The action is smooth as silk and getting more so now that I've shot it a little. Yes, it is a very heavy rifle, at least for me as a gal, but it does balance quite well, just forward of the receiver, even with its heavy 26" octagon barrel.

I replaced the factory buckhorn with a Skinner barrel mount peep so I could get better visibility with the bead front sight. I did, however, have to change out to a taller front sight - unusual for a Skinner barrel mount.

First time out, I started off with some Wisconsin cartridge company 300 grain factory loads. Figured these would be pretty standard factory hunting loads. Not so. With an advertised 2100 fps with the 300 grain bullets, recoil was not pleasant. Switched to Federal and Winchester loads with 300 grain bullets at about 1850 fps and recoil was more manageable.

The biggest thrill for me has been the accuracy of this gun with factory loads, using the above peep sight. After getting the Skinner adjusted, close, at 50 yards, shot the bottom group. Added in half a turn with the Skinner and shot the top group. Don't know if I can do any better with hand loads, tough I'll try. Don't know that I could do any better with a scope, either, but this gun will NEVER see a scope, I promise you that.

Oh, yeah, I am now looking for a marlin 45-70 to add to the collection, too.

Northcountry, that looks really impressive to me. Makes me believe my recent attempts with my handloaded 45/70 are...well, in need of practice, more than loading. Looking at my wild groups, I think I must be flinching, not ashamed to admit it (well, sorta ashamed). I think trigger control, breath, etc., fundamentals, are more important for this neophyte again than anything else.

Thanks for the inspiration.

 

[lewk416]

Winchester (Miroku) 1886 Extra Light

I have a Winchester 1886 Extra Light and 2 Guide Guns (1895GS + 1895G.)

The Winchester doesn't hunt or carry much & spends a lot of time in the safe. The 1886 Extra Light weighs 7 pounds and 4 ounces.

The big bores I use mostly are a Browning BLR take down in 450 Marlin and the two Guide Guns in 45-70.
Most of the preference is an eye thing with me because the BLR and two Guide Guns are both scoped.
The Guide Guns and BLR take down are also more portable for travel in bush planes, ATVs and pack-sacks - especially the BLR take down for obvious reasons.

Most days on the hunting trail you'll find me with my trusty 336C in 35 Rem with the 2-7x34mm Leupold scope on top.
I'm about to commit sacrilege according to the gun rag gospel but I'll openly declare in front of God and man right here and now that I'd feel comfortable in the bush hunting any North American game with my 336C/35 Rem.

Both the Guide Guns and the 1886 are really slick & accurate.

Purchased my first 35Rem last year (336C). WOW! Just, WOW! I agree with you. It will without a doubt be quite capable of dispatching anything around here.

 

[lewk416]

Need to learn more about the new model Browning 1886. My understanding is they are a very close representation of the original; fit and finish is typical Browning quality (excellent) and they too are made in the Miroku plant in Japan along with the Winchester's. Limited production run I believe so you may want to hang on to that one North country gal.

 

[pricedo]

The full size Winchester 1886 rifles with the full stock and magazine and the 26" barrel are big heavy hunks of steel weighing from 8 1/2 to over 9 pounds.

The Winchester (Miroku) 1886 Extra Light is a reproduction of the Winchester 1886 Light Weight rifle.
It comes in 45-70 caliber weighs just north of 7 pounds, has a 22" barrel and has a shotgun style butt plate instead of the shoulder punishing curved butt plate of the full sized models.

I was always fond of the 1886 action but the knee bucking weight and shoulder punishing curved butt plate killed any derire in me to get one until the 1886 Extra Light was offered.

As usual the most criticism of the Miroku made 1886 rifles comes from those who have never held one in their hands in their lives.
My 1886EL has the tang safety and the rebounding hammer and of the several hundred round potpourri of handloads and factory rounds including the powerful Buffalo Bore ammo I put thru it there wasn't a single, I repeat NOT ONE misfire.

 

[Flyfish]

I believe the Winchester fit and finish is better but it should be for the price. Having said that my GG isn't going anywhere. Compact, light and powerful makes a nice combination.

 

[lewk416]

Here's a few pic's of mine.

cheers,