Compare Winchester M1895 & M1886

02 June 2008, 00:34

Questions pertain to Miroku manufactured M1895 and M1886 lever action rifles.

1. What are wildcat or proprietary cartridges for which the M1895 can be safely chambered/adapted that are larger bore than the .405 WCF?

2. Is trigger finger pinch less likely when rapidly operating the M1895 than with M1886? I refer to the way the M1895's trigger pivots away from trigger finger on down stroke whiles M1886's trigger remains stationary in lower tang.

3. Compare crispness and smoothness of trigger pulls.

4. Is either mechanism significantly easier to disassemble than the other?

02 June 2008, 03:09

arkypete

quote:
Originally posted by Naphtali:
Questions pertain to Miroku manufactured M1895 and M1886 lever action rifles.

1. What are wildcat or proprietary cartridges for which the M1895 can be safely chambered/adapted that are larger bore than the .405 WCF?

That's a good question. I think the 1886 can moved up to 50 caliber.

2. Is trigger finger pinch less likely when rapidly operating the M1895 than with M1886? I refer to the way the M1895's trigger pivots away from trigger finger on down stroke whiles M1886's trigger remains stationary in lower tang.

Never had my finger pinched while operating the lever, fast or slow. Have had my middle finger given a bash from recoil. Problem solved wearing a pair of gloves providing more grip to the grip of the stock.

3. Compare crispness and smoothness of trigger pulls.

All three of my triggers, 2,95s and 1,1886 are just about right. But then I don't expect bench gun triggers or accuracy out of my lever actions.

4. Is either mechanism significantly easier to disassemble than the other?

Both are pretty complicated, a third set of fingers would be welcome.

Jim

02 June 2008, 04:26

N E 450 No2

Naphtali

I can not be considedred a lever action freek.
I have always thought the M1886/M71 was the finest lever action ever made.

Then I made the "mistake" of shooting some prairie dogs [of all things] with a M1895 in 405 WCF.

I had always heard that the 1895 was ungainly, ill-balanced, clumsy to operate, and kicked like a mad Army mule.

After my prairrie dog hunt I realized that I really liked it, and I got one, a take down in 405WCF.

Each model has some advantages/disadvantages compared to the other.

Handle and if possible shoot them both. Get the one you like the best.

02 June 2008, 04:38

N E 450 No2

Oh, almost forgot.

Since you should work the lever, on either of these lever actioned rifles with your trigger outside the trigger guard, neither one should "pinch" your finger.

02 June 2008, 20:04

Jim Z.

Just to show the gang.

02 June 2008, 20:29

Naphtali

My thanks to all of you for clarifying my thoughts.
***
Okay, I've successfully avoided buying yet another lever action platform. I have a Browning M71 and a USRAC/Winchester M1886 with semipistol grip, and one of the finger lever assemblies must be changed.

Discussing only the metal involved, what Midwest parts will I need to acquire to alter the lever to be identical with the other rifle? The M1886's semipistol grip has a longer, slightly larger lever. Right now, I'm thinking that the M71's lever must be changed, but I'm going to shoot several more times with gloves to be sure.

As I look at them, it appears the lever, lower tang, plus one or two screws are all that need changing, but I'm uncertain. Regardless which way I go, the buttstock will be either altered or replaced to suit.