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I thought I would mention this in case you have not found your browning? I have a Browning 71,it's already wearing a 450 Alaskan barrel but has a second barrel that could easily be re-bored to the 50 -110,I have three of these of this cal rifles,would sell this one if interested,thanks.

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I own and shoot an original 50 EX. 1886 and have had good experience with both 350 and 450 grain cast over IMR 4831 compressed using magnum LR primers.
Mine a 1/2 Octagon, 1/2 Magazine that came my way from the collection of a boarding house in Skagway AK.
It is a fun rifle, in part because of the history attached.
Years back, using the dimensions of the internals of this original I had another ‘86 converted and rebored to 50 EX. I wish I stilled owned that one as well.
Yes, you should find it a fun project. Bon appetite’

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I too like the old cartridges. I think it would be fun to hunt a buffalo or a bison with one.


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Originally Posted by Mrhp
Originally Posted by 451whitworth
I have a Browning 1886 that I had converted to 50-110 WCF because like you I wanted one. I have owned mine for 19 years now. I only shoot cast bullets out of it because like a 45-70, jacketed bullets offer no real advantage. My barrel is 1-20" twist. I have two Accurate Molds for it, one is 325gr., the other a 475gr., both gas checked. When I first had it built Starline was not making brass yet.

That’s good to hear that you are happy with yours. I am looking for a rifle to convert. It should be a fun exercise.


Are you looking for a standard, or hi-grade? Rifle or carbine?


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Ahh, this brings back memories of when I was looking for an 1886 in 45-90 to best the performance of two 1886 45-70 rifles of my shooting friends. My long term objective was taking the rifle to hunt in Africa. Fortunately, logic overcame emotion and I chose this 1886 .45-90 which also shoots 45-70 just fine.. In fact, early on, I shot a lot of game with the 45-70 factory 300 grain ammo.

[Linked Image from jpgbox.com]

Please take the complaints of the crescent butt plate with a grain of salt - some folks just never learned how to handle and shoot a crescent properly. Mine has never bruised or cut anyone that shot it. Of course, they were all experienced 1886 shooters.
Mine has shot only a few cast 325 grain hand loaded bullets because I do not plink or shoot gongs with this rifle; it is a hunting rifle and I love the performance of the Winchester Supreme 300 grain Nosler PP bullets. Very effective on American soft skinned game AND African leopard.
My .45-90 with 450 grain North Fork bullets at 2150 fps MV has taken elephant and Cape Buff with ease. Also bison and such. Imagine what a real Big Bore could do!

Welcome to the 1886 cult!


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It does help to look at a couple of original 1886 rifles to get an idea about your .50-110 cal conversion
or any 1886/M-71 re-barrel/re-chamber. The Browning rifles do well for this, as I tend not to want to alter existing 1886 or pre-war M-71 rifles-
other than possibly to 348 Ackley Improved.

Excepting the historical perspective, a 50 AK or 450 Alaskan is equal to a 45-90 or 50-110. Brass is actually available
from Starline. If you have not reloaded before, a bit of research and work on possible details is involved. Be ready to learn by experience.
Having owned and still own a 450 Alaskan and 450 Fuller, their design was necessary because of an existing need
for a bear-stopping caliber in Alaska and Canada.
The 1886/Model 71s were perfect because of proven reliability and fast repeat shots.


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450Fuller,
Is there anything involved in converting the Browning rifles to .450 Alaskan other than a re-bore and re-chamber ?


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While I too find the 50-110 high on the "cool" factor, for practicilty I would stay with the 45-70.
Scarcity of reloading dies and materials has kept me from buying a 33WCF

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Bugger said "I think it would be fun to hunt a buffalo or a bison with one."

It was fun! My 1886 45-90 has done both and an elephant.

I used one of those African loads to shoot a running bison at 45 yards and it shot through both shoulders and kept going. The Bison did not keep going.


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Mr Shelton, What is the tang sight on your 45-90?

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Byron,
That is a Marbles sight.
The rifle also has a Marbles folding barrel sight:
[Linked Image from jpgbox.com]


Last edited by crshelton; 03/16/22.

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Byron
A little more detail on the Marbles Tang Peep Sight.
[Linked Image from jpgbox.com]
Wood was removed from the front of the comb so the sight can fold down and lock in place.


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Ed, et alia:


When doing my 50 AK and 450 rifles, Harry McGowen and I discussed at his shop the internal modifications. This is usually NOT required on an 1886, but
it is necessary on either a Winchester or Browning in 50 AK or 50-110/50EX on the M71.The reason is due to the carrier and internal geometry
to make the rifle reliable in feeding. A single shot may not help you in grizzly country. An 1886 recently made may need some internal work.

Also not wise to have a barrel less than 22 inches, IMHO. Balance is critical in the heavier calibers. Cast lead bullets work for load development but I prefer my stock of
Hawk 450/400 gr or Kodiaks in AK or Africa. Bears and buffalo are serious in their own territory. If pushing heavy bullets regularly, you will need an
attachment bbl-to mag to stabilize the mating. H. Johnson used a modified 94 carbine band in Alaska, I think. Many ways to stabilize against recoil.
There are no better rifles in the north woods for bears.


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I’m surprised that a 71 Browning will handle that long of a cartridge. Obviously an ‘86 can but…
At any rate I’d be happy to see the end package and to be proved wrong.


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Originally Posted by Bugger
I’m surprised that a 71 Browning will handle that long of a cartridge. Obviously an ‘86 can but…
At any rate I’d be happy to see the end package and to be proved wrong.

Why surprised ? They are the same rifle excepting the upgrades to the 71 which should not change the size of cartridge it can handle.


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The 71 has a shorter action, I believe but could be wrong.


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A guy on You Tube goes by 50-110 and had a new Winchester converted to 50-110 and loads for it. Check out his videos and he can probably share load info etc.

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Originally Posted by Bugger
The 71 has a shorter action, I believe but could be wrong.

Never read that they changed the action length , just that they upgraded the internals. I don't have an '86 to measure so I also could be wrong but I see no logical reason to shorten the m71 action from the original "86 length.


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I read an article that Winchester shortened the action when they went from 1886 to 71. The Brrowning and Winchester Jap 71’s followed the original 71 dimensions.

I could be wrong. Unfortunately I believe too much stuff I read.


Edit:

I measured my 1886 and my 71 length of the receiver. I could not see any difference.

Thanks for the correction.

Last edited by Bugger; 03/13/23.

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I picked up a Browning 71 Deluxe, and sent it off to create a 50-110 conversion with Wayne York, at “Oregunsmithing” turnaround was quick, and fantastic work. I’ve cycled 50-110’s ( with short bullets) 50 Alaskan with long bullets, and 348’s still cycle thru it flawlessly. No I did not fire 348’s, just cycled them thru. It’s a 510 bore, so I hand single fed some 500LINEBAUGH and it shoots them well also.
There’s just something about those big cigar sized cartridges that’s inspiring.


“YOU CAN’T SHOOT A BIG ONE IF YOU SHOOT A LITTLE ONE FIRST”
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