I got my first 1886 about two weeks ago, an early Browning SRC 45-70 in mint condition. I also have a Marlin 1895 Cowboy in 45-70.
My impression is that the 1886 has a better level of finish and fit than the Marlin, and is just a bit heavier. That aside, I prefer the Marlin, hands down. The Marlin just flat out shoots circles around the 1886, and it ain't even close.
Maybe this is just the difference between two individual rifles, I don't know, but in my sample of one each, the Marlin has it all over the 1886.
