Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Bought an 1898 manufacture Winchester 1886 .40-65 WCF just as a “why not” when it presented, and it has unexpectedly stirred a new interest. Gateway guns… I’ve always viewed my 94 inherited from my grandfather nearly thirty years ago as an heirloom more than a hunting rifle. Not that is isn’t useful, it was his Moose rifle, and he more than proved what it can do. It’s flown with me at work lots as it’s so handy and low profile, but whenever it’s time to hunt reached straight past it for the Model 70s, or double. And truth be told I still can get more shots on target, accurately that is, from a bolt gun in the same time as compared to a lever. I’m aware that’s the meat running it, not the gun, but it’s like deciding to switch to snowboarding when you’ve skied all your life.
It’s my most prized possession and the last material thing I own I’d give up, but I’ve always found it slightly awkward in use. I almost feel bad saying that as if it can hear me. It points like a wand for me, sights right where I look, and it shoots remarkably well for what it is. My misgiving is the action feel, but I’m just not practiced enough and find levers an awkward and jerky motion. That is until I picked a century and a quarter old 1886, the start of a potentially costly problem. This thing cycles much more fluidly, but I still find the ergonomics off putting. I’m wondering if a pistol grip and curved lever will help my hand position, and eliminate the odd lever stutter I induce through a more natural hand position. In particular, while the 1886 is incredibly smooth on the lever, I find it much easier to drop the muzzle slightly while cycling to avoid any lever hesitations on my part. Curious if the pistol gripped lever offer a different feel, and are better ergonomically.
Suggestions on what lever shape, and action you find slickest and most natural will be appreciated. Looking for that classic a slick as snot lever, in a useful chambering, and in a perfect world a takedown but now I’m dreaming. I imagine a custom takedown Winchester 71 as being a particularly sweet package, combining the round bottom and smoothness of the 1886 that just cocked my eyebrow into a ballistically far superior package for the West. I’m also debating a custom 10mm 1892 takedown for kicks after I saw a working .45ACP 1892 in action online, it appears rimless can work just fine.
The 1886 and 94 discussed. Now they need a new friend, I’d like to stay Winchester, but did have a JM 1894 I really enjoyed for a few years in .357 twenty years ago. One of the few guns I regret selling.
It’s my most prized possession and the last material thing I own I’d give up, but I’ve always found it slightly awkward in use. I almost feel bad saying that as if it can hear me. It points like a wand for me, sights right where I look, and it shoots remarkably well for what it is. My misgiving is the action feel, but I’m just not practiced enough and find levers an awkward and jerky motion. That is until I picked a century and a quarter old 1886, the start of a potentially costly problem. This thing cycles much more fluidly, but I still find the ergonomics off putting. I’m wondering if a pistol grip and curved lever will help my hand position, and eliminate the odd lever stutter I induce through a more natural hand position. In particular, while the 1886 is incredibly smooth on the lever, I find it much easier to drop the muzzle slightly while cycling to avoid any lever hesitations on my part. Curious if the pistol gripped lever offer a different feel, and are better ergonomically.
Suggestions on what lever shape, and action you find slickest and most natural will be appreciated. Looking for that classic a slick as snot lever, in a useful chambering, and in a perfect world a takedown but now I’m dreaming. I imagine a custom takedown Winchester 71 as being a particularly sweet package, combining the round bottom and smoothness of the 1886 that just cocked my eyebrow into a ballistically far superior package for the West. I’m also debating a custom 10mm 1892 takedown for kicks after I saw a working .45ACP 1892 in action online, it appears rimless can work just fine.
The 1886 and 94 discussed. Now they need a new friend, I’d like to stay Winchester, but did have a JM 1894 I really enjoyed for a few years in .357 twenty years ago. One of the few guns I regret selling.
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