#2270615 - 06/23/08 10:14 AM
Winchester 1886 Deluxe for Hunting???
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Timberline
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Registered: 06/13/05
Posts: 104
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
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I keep looking at one of these at my local gun shop. The model they have in stock is 45-70 with a 26-inch half octagon/half round barrel. It’s a big, beefy gun that on my postal scale weighs exactly 9 lbs. 12 oz.
It balances well (although it’s certainly no lightweight) and it looks and feels great. I’m trying to decide whether or not to buy it.
I should add that I’m primarily interested in using this 45-70 for western big-game HUNTING (mule deer, antelope and elk). It would, I think, be loads of fun to hunt with this rifle. It certainly would be a departure from my usual scoped bolt-action rifles, and I imagine it would require a whole new mindset. But the prospects seem very intriguing.
Three QUESTIONS for you experienced big-bore lever shooters. I’ve hunted forever, but I’m very new to this.
1. Do any of you have any shooting and/or hunting experience with this particular big bore lever-action rifle or the similar, modern standard-grade 45-70 versions previously offered by Winchester/Browning. Particularly, what might I expend in the way of accuracy with quality factory ammunition?
2. What about the curved metal butt plate? It looks very classic, but how about standard 45-70 recoil with that butt plate given this rifle’s weight?
3. Am I nuts contemplating hunting with a classic lever-action rifle that is this heavy - 9 lbs. 12 oz. Other models, specifically the Winchester 1886 Extra Light and the many Marlin versions are certainly lighter in physical weight. I do like the look of this big, classic Winchester. But will I curse its weight?
Your thoughts on these issues would be very much appreciated. You big-bore lever guys look like you're having way too much fun.
_________________________
"Don't let the things you can't do, stop you from doing the things you can do."
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#2271007 - 06/23/08 02:46 PM
Re: Winchester 1886 Deluxe for Hunting???
[Re: Timberline]
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saddlering
Campfire Guide
Registered: 09/30/05
Posts: 2649
Loc: Michigan, Down River
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I used to hunt alot with Sharps rifles, they too are very heavy, the weight will help soak up the recoil, but that curved steel butt will get to ya after a bit! on the range, but for hunting should not be to bad! I have used a 45-70 for bear, deer, Buffalo, they will kill most anything, get close and pick your shots! I say go for it and enjoy! John
_________________________
Savage 1899, One fine thunderstick!
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#2271512 - 06/23/08 07:07 PM
Re: Winchester 1886 Deluxe for Hunting???
[Re: saddlering]
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FullMetalParka
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Registered: 03/17/07
Posts: 208
Loc: Vermont
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I think it would be extremely fun, and very much a smart choice to use!
I would just pack lite so it would be a bit less of carry!
Good luck, and post some pics of how it shoots!!
-FMP
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#2276349 - 06/26/08 07:43 AM
Re: Winchester 1886 Deluxe for Hunting???
[Re: Timberline]
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Otter
Campfire Regular
Registered: 10/14/06
Posts: 367
Loc: Rogers, AR
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1. Do any of you have any shooting and/or hunting experience with this particular big bore lever-action rifle or the similar, modern standard-grade 45-70 versions previously offered by Winchester/Browning. Particularly, what might I expend in the way of accuracy with quality factory ammunition?
I don't have an '86, but I do have an 1895 Marlin Cowboy in 45-70 that weighs in at about 8 1/2 pounds. It is as accurate as I can see with my old eyes and as steady as I can hold it. I have not shot any factory ammo, but do load with a 405 gr lead bullet and push it at around 1400+/- fps. Dropped a 230# 6x5 whitetail with one shot as if it had been hit with a sledge hammer.
2. What about the curved metal butt plate? It looks very classic, but how about standard 45-70 recoil with that butt plate given this rifle’s weight?
I prefer a less curved buttplate for my 45-70's, mostly a more shotgun style buttplate. In a hunting situation, it shouldn't be a problem but on a bench it could be problematic. Try shooting it with the butt in the crook of the arm/shoulder joint, should be better, although uncomfortable at first.
3. Am I nuts contemplating hunting with a classic lever-action rifle that is this heavy - 9 lbs. 12 oz. Other models, specifically the Winchester 1886 Extra Light and the many Marlin versions are certainly lighter in physical weight. I do like the look of this big, classic Winchester. But will I curse its weight?
You'll overcome the weight. I, too, have hunted with both my Sharps (12#) and my Rolling Block (14#) with success. If you are climbing around in the mountains it can be tiring. Otherwise, no problem.
Get it, you'll like it. I've become addicted to the 45-70, it will drop anything on the North American continent, well, it may have trouble with a griz.
_________________________
Watch yer topknot . . .
NRA Endowment Life Member
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