Looking for educated opinions about a .45-70 clone

[JohnB]

So, I have come to terms with the fact that I cannot afford an original Winchester 1886 , however, one of the numerous clones out on the market would be fine, for my purposes.

Based on the wealth of knowledge around this campfire, what would you say is the best option (quality, value, etc) for an 1886 clone?

I know, this subject may have been beat to death, but times and quality change and I am looking for shooter with longevity and quality craftsmanship.

Thanks, in advance, for your input!

[TedH]

I'm in the same boat as far as not affording an original 1886. While not an educated opinion, if I were to buy an 1886 that I could afford, it would be the Browning in rifle form first, then the Browning SRC.

[Mike D.]

I agree with Ted H. Go with a Browning 1886, preferably in carbine configuration. The octagon barrel rifles are too heavy to lug around in the field.

[Grizz]

ditto browning

[Streetstar]

Browning --- (then Winchester itself - but purists hate the hammer and safety ) -i don't mind them

[Tycer]

This one:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =290144312

I like my EL. 86er has one too. He likes it.
The rebounding hammer is an easy fix if you want. This one has a neat sight base and a good front sight.

[86er]

Miroku - either B'ning or USRAC - Win

[tman]

Browning! My SRC is as close to an original as you are gonna get. No rebounding hammer, no extra safeties. Other than the markings, it is a Winchester 1886

[Pitchy]

I have the rifle version 1986 1886, but would choose the carbine if i had a choice or have both.

[Ji in Hawaii]

If I couldn't find a decent Browning 1886 clone at an affordable price I would seriously consider the Chiapa made clone. I have a difficult time accepting the rebounding hammer, and tang safety of the new Winchester branded 1886s.
http://www.chiappafirearms.com/product/828

[Tycer]

Ji, didn't you remove the tang safety and replace it with scrimshaw ivory on one of your guns?
I looked at the Browning and the Win. I got into the Win and fixed the hammer and bought powder, primers, brass, dies, mold and gas checks for less than the Browning. Same fit and finish.

[longarm4146]

2nd Brownings and I have a buddy thinning the herd with both a carbine and rifle for sale, both in exc condition. I
think he wants 1200 for rifle and 1100 for carbine if he hasn't gotten rid of them. He is the original owner. If interested you can pm me or call me at 336-589-9435. We are in central NC near Va line.

[O.S.O.K.]

As much as I like the 1886 design, I personally have elected to purchase Marlin 95's.

I do have a Miroku Winny but its a 1895 in 405 Win... Excellent quality.

[Ji in Hawaii]

Ji, didn't you remove the tang safety and replace it with scrimshaw ivory on one of your guns?
I looked at the Browning and the Win. I got into the Win and fixed the hammer and bought powder, primers, brass, dies, mold and gas checks for less than the Browning. Same fit and finish.

Where you able to find a Browning hammer & lower? I thought Browning '86 parts were getting rare and expensive.

[Ji in Hawaii]

2nd Brownings and I have a buddy thinning the herd with both a carbine and rifle for sale, both in exc condition. I
think he wants 1200 for rifle and 1100 for carbine if he hasn't gotten rid of them. He is the original owner. If interested you can pm me or call me at 336-589-9435. We are in central NC near Va line.

"Get behind me carbine" $1100 for the carbine is a very fair price to me. Too bad I'm in the red every month. VERY tempting though.

[Tycer]

Ji, didn't you remove the tang safety and replace it with scrimshaw ivory on one of your guns?
I looked at the Browning and the Win. I got into the Win and fixed the hammer and bought powder, primers, brass, dies, mold and gas checks for less than the Browning. Same fit and finish.

Where you able to find a Browning hammer & lower? I thought Browning '86 parts were getting rare and expensive.

No, I cut the lower legs on the mainspring strut a bit and cut a half-cock notch in the hammer using an 1892 as a general guide on the hammer.

[Ji in Hawaii]

Where you able to find a Browning hammer & lower? I thought Browning '86 parts were getting rare and expensive.

No, I cut the lower legs on the mainspring strut a bit and cut a half-cock notch in the hammer using an 1892 as a general guide on the hammer.

Did you keep the tang safety? If not how did you plug the safety hole. Do you have a tutorial for cutting the halfcock notch?

[Tycer]

Did you keep the tang safety? If not how did you plug the safety hole. Do you have a tutorial for cutting the halfcock notch?

I did not keep the safety. I filled the hole with epoxy putty. On the hammer, I just matched it to the 92 and filed the notch until it bit the sear properly. No tutorial and I'm no gunsmith, it looks like it too. But it works and cost me about an hours labor.