Can somebody tell me if the lever on a Browning M1886 and M71 are interchangeable other than straight vs pistol grip. Also what additional parts would I need to convert 1886 straight grip to pistol grip. Thanks.

to convert grip type you need a stock and a way to heat and bend metal.
the tang needs to be bent along with the lever.
you also need to re-angle the trigger spring inside the tang.

Well the M1886 has the carrier hook connecting the lever to the carrier, while the M71 does not.

Also a few other internal parts that are differrent due to that change between the carriers

M1886 pistol grip levers are available, not as pronouced as the M71. Then the metal rework to the lower tang and mainspring system.

And new PG wood.

Contact Western Gun Parts up in Edmonton Canada, for Browning 1886, and M71 parts.

FYI I have fitted both Browning 1892 and 1886 PG levers to OLD Winchester actions before, then bent the tangs to match.

LOTS more fun and fitting in putting a M71 breech bolt into an 1886, you will need a mill for that.

JW

Contacted Western gun parts, we'll see. So, if available I would need PG lever, mainspring unit or modify existing mainspring unit- anything else. I know I need to bend the tang and a PG stock.

As mentioned the 1886 PG levers have a more open grip compared to the 71 models. To me the more open grip of the 1886 feels and handles better than that of the 71.

With respect to the lower tang I don't think you can just bend it as the PG lower tang is tapered. You would need to buy a PG lower tang as well.

I would compare a Miroku made PG model Winchester 1886 and consider whether it might be feasible to swap the parts over, including the buttstocks. This might be a cheaper option.

Western GP answered, all Browning parts were sold to Midwest gun works; they only have straight grip parts, nobody has pistol grip parts that I can find. Since the trigger mainspring mounts on the tang it would need modifying to work. Can anybody recommend someone other than Turnbull, preferably in western US who has done this work. Thanks

You might try a Gun Maker as opposed to a parts swapper. Here is a good one in Colorado:

http://www.ellisbrowncustomshop.com/

Be advised that you may need all new wood and custom metal work.

Would it be more cost effective to take a Browning 71 are rebarrel it to the caliber you want?
There are plenty out there, and affordable. Especially if you are going to repair/work on it anyway.