Winchester vs Browning

[frankjg]

Well not exactly but I have obtained both a Winchester 1886 and Browning 1886 both new (company reissues) beautiful but quite a bit of difference in the two. Mainly in the actions. The Browning is smooth as silk and the lever is tight ( no side play at all) while the Winchester has a bit of side play and just feels loose. I believe they were both made in Japan (not that makes any difference). The Winchester feels like a old 1876 I was able to handle while the Browning feels like one of my Shiloh Sharps actions.

Anyone else had a chance to look at either of these rifles

Thanks

Frank

[Old Savage]

Welcome Frank, shot a Browning years ago and it was tight as they are. Have not handled a Winchester.

[Malamute]

I'ts probably more individual guns than the particular vintage/make of guns. Both are made in the same factory, the later Winchesters have more safety parts, like the rebounding hammer setup, but shouldn't make a huge difference in feel of cycling the action. I have both and can't tell a lot of difference in the ones I have.

[Mike D.]

I own them both and cannot tell the difference between the two. All Miroku rifles are very high quality, bt the Winchester Models have those silly safeties that confuse the shooter. One of my ELs has had the redundant safety parts eliminated and the parts replaced by ones from the Browning 1886. No funky tang safety, a true half cock hammer and more positive one piece trigger/sear. Gone is the silly two piece trigger and sear with the many springs. Replacing these parts is a piece of cake that should take even the less experienced tinkerer less than a couple of hours.

[frankjg]

The Winchester 1886 I have is just a bit different as I see it, It is a full Octagonal barrel take down model 45-70. Yes, it does have the rebound hammer and tang safety. My Browning 1886 has neither of these.