Which 1886?

[MJN77]

Hey folks. I've been away from cowboy guns for a couple years and am now looking to get a few more. I would like an 1886 Winchester and wanted to know what the general thoughts about the Cimarron/Taylor's/Chiappa 1886 with the 26 inch barrel is. I had one of the 24 inch barreled Winchester/Miroku rifles and liked it, but I like the more traditional look of the Italian version better. So, I guess, what are your thoughts on both? I have heard the Winchester can have light primer strikes due to the rebounding hammer, but never had that problem with the one I had. And how does the Chiappa shoot with BP? Anyway, thanks in advance.

[King Medallion]

The only experience I have with the 86 is a Browning SRC. Upgraded the sights and its an awesome weapon. Can't go wrong with the Brownings.

[MJN77]

I had a Browning SRC too. Really regret letting that one go. Might try to find another. Really wanting to know about the Chiappa. I've heard some pretty bad things about them, but that was the first couple of years they were available. Wondering if the poblems are still a problem or if they were fixed.

[Scattered Thumbs]

Got a Winchester/Miroku extra light. I like it, wild boars hate it. 

[Gabriel Law]

Pedersoli makes a really nice 71/86.  I bought mine after I bought my Browning 86.  Both are 45-70...the Pedersoli is about half the price and a really nicely made rifle.

[Buckaroo Lou]

I can't say for certain because I have never shot the Italian rifle, but I think the early problems have been resolved, I have only heard good things about them of late.

I fairly recently bought the new Winchester by Miroku and other than the tang safety it has a very classic look since it has the case colored frame, lever, crescent butt plate, and fore end cap. Personally I wish it didn't have the tang safety but actually it doesn't bother me that much. Neither does the rebounding hammer. Other than it not having a safety notch in the hammer it cocks and shoots just as my Browning SRC.

[PJ Hardtack]

Iconic designs deserve to be left as is and not "lawyered" into something else.

[1961MJS]

Iconic designs deserve to be left as is and not "lawyered" into something else.

The Chiappa is not lawyered, and is well made.  I"m not really that sure its a great shooter, but then I only have 130 rounds through it.  I have three 45-70's to work up loads for.  Sharps one done, close on 1886, and I have another.  The 1886 is very comfortable to shoot being a nice heavy gun.  I didn't get the Winchester because of the lawyer stuff.  The Tang safety is where the TANG sight goes.

Later

[wildman1]

Buy an original Winchester, there are quite a few available.
wM1

[1961MJS]

Buy an original Winchester, there are quite a few available.
wM1

I would do that, bilut I'm a shooter MUCH more than collector.  I don't like to shoot history if I can avoid it.  I do shoot a ww2 Remington Rand 1911 though.
Later

[Mean Bob Mean]

I would do that, bilut I'm a shooter MUCH more than collector.  I don't like to shoot history if I can avoid it.  I do shoot a ww2 Remington Rand 1911 though.
Later

Turnbull builds them as well, sans tang safety.  Call them and see what they want for one. 

[Coal Creek Griff]

Turnbull builds them as well, sans tang safety.  Call them and see what they want for one. 

They do look nice.  I've always assumed with Turnbull is that if you have to ask the price...

http://www.turnbullmfg.com/gun/turnbull-mfg-co-model-1886/

CC Griff

[MJN77]

Thanks for the replies. I think Turnbull is likely out of my price range and an original isn't really something I want to beat up with lots of use. I can't seem to find much info on the Chiappa as quality and weather the bugs have been worked out. Like I said, I prefer the "classic" looks of the Chiappa, but I'm leaning toward the 24 inch Mirokuchester at the moment. I had one and it was a really nice rifle even with that stupid safety and rebounding hammer.

[1961MJS]

Thanks for the replies. I think Turnbull is likely out of my price range and an original isn't really something I want to beat up with lots of use. I can't seem to find much info on the Chiappa as quality and weather the bugs have been worked out. Like I said, I prefer the "classic" looks of the Chiappa, but I'm leaning toward the 24 inch Mirokuchester at the moment. I had one and it was a really nice rifle even with that stupid safety and rebounding hammer.

Hi

The 1886 I have has a 5 pound trigger pull out of the box, the Chiappa Sharps I have needed work.  I'd buy the Chiappa 1886 again if that helps any.  I'm in Norman OK.

Later

[Buckaroo Lou]

Since I have never had one apart to see inside does anyone know if there is more to eliminating the tang safety and rebounding hammer on the Miroku Winchesters other than taking out the safety and replacing the hammer with one like the originals.

Basically what I am asking is could there be a kit consisting of a plug to fill the tang safety slot and a replacement hammer developed to sell just like the cross bolt safety plug for the Marlin?

I am not a gunsmith so don't know if it would be that simple. Probably not or someone would have already come up with it.

[Coal Creek Griff]

Perhaps this will help, as  a starting point.  There is more out there on the 'net.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?12077-Winchester-Miroku-1886-Rebounding-Hammer-Fix-Tutorial

Personally, while I don't like the tang safety/rebounding hammer, mine hasn't really caused any problems either.  I took a Sharpie and blackened the red paint on the safety and then just ignore it.  I've kind of learned to live with it.

CC Griff

[Scattered Thumbs]

Perhaps this will help, as  a starting point.  There is more out there on the 'net.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?12077-Winchester-Miroku-1886-Rebounding-Hammer-Fix-Tutorial

Personally, while I don't like the tang safety/rebounding hammer, mine hasn't really caused any problems either.  I took a Sharpie and blackened the red paint on the safety and then just ignore it.  I've kind of learned to live with it.

CC Griff

Wild boars never noticed the tang safety nor the rebounding hammer. And they still hate it.  

[1961MJS]

Perhaps this will help, as  a starting point.  There is more out there on the 'net.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?12077-Winchester-Miroku-1886-Rebounding-Hammer-Fix-Tutorial

Personally, while I don't like the tang safety/rebounding hammer, mine hasn't really caused any problems either.  I took a Sharpie and blackened the red paint on the safety and then just ignore it.  I've kind of learned to live with it.

CC Griff

Hi

If you leave the Tang safety and want a longer range sight or just like peep sights better, there are two alternatives that I'm aware of.  The first is the Providence Tool Company which makes an old style sight that attaches to the left side of the receiver with the peep right in from on the hammer.  The second is the Skinner sight, a more modern version that sets on top of the receiver, also just in from of the hammer. 

Providence Tool Company
https://762precision.wordpress.com/product-reviews/providence-tool-company-pattern-21-sight/

Skinner Sights
www.skinnersights.com/winchester_26.html

[Buckaroo Lou]

My new 1886 Winchester by Miroku is factory drilled and tapped for a Williams peep.

[Mean Bob Mean]

There is a Miroku 1886 on the SASS wire classifieds right now.