I'm with Claven2. The Miroku-Winchester is ready to run, right out of the box. Excellent rifles, in my opinion. The Uberti will need some tuning to get it ready for competition. A relatively easy job, as aftermarket competition parts are readily available. For general use, either brand of rifle is fully capable. Though I'd still give the Miroku a bit of an edge. For competition: Uberti.
DANCESWITHEMPTIES: You may already be aware of this, but for those who may not:
Though pretty much identical externally, the Miroku-Winchester 1873 differs quite a bit from the originals(and Uberti rifles), internally. Main spring, lever/lifter springs, lever safety spring and trigger return spring(This is a single shaped wire spring in the Miroku that controls both functions), are all different. They do not interchange with either original Winchester rifles, nor Uberti.
Not a big deal, unless you need Miroku replacement parts. Which seem pretty much unobtainium, right now. So, something to be aware of. Otherwise, the Miroku rifles function like any other Winchester 1873.
The rifles themselves, are very durable and dependable. The only seemingly weak point, being the safety feature built into the bolt extension. Even then, this weakness may be over exaggerated. None of my experience with the stock bolt extension turned up any reliability issues, during competitive use(cowboy action).
Still, the stock bolt extension can be replaced, if desired. I eventually replaced mine, when setting the rifle up for longterm competitive use. Pioneer Gun Works manufactures a solid bolt extension specifically for the Miroku 1873. The part is available through Rusty Wood Trading. Very easy to swap in.
By the way, the Miroku seems to feed very smoothly, regardless of caliber. Have had the opportunity to run these rifles in every caliber available. Found no advantage of one, versus the other. The .357 is a very versatile choice for this rifle. Should also feed .38 Special easily, too. For .38 Special reloads, as long as you keep overall cartridge length around 1.450" or better, you won't run into any feeding problems.
With one caveat: Do not try to run sharp-shouldered, semi-wadcutter type bullets in the Miroku( Uberti, too). This type of bullet will not feed reliably and tends to jam in the chamber mouth. Instead, go with either a round nosed, or better still.....roundnosed flat point bullet design. This bullet shape feeds reliably and smoothly.
About the only beef I had with my Miroku.....and it was a very minor one.... was with the tiny bead on the front sight. Very good for deliberate, aimed shots. But, since I purchased mine for competitive use, I found the front sight hard to acquire under speed. I swapped out the front sight for one with a larger bead, and problem solved. Perhaps not an issue for you, but worth mentioning.
Also, since the rifle was intended for competitive shooting, I didn't like the too stiff(for me) stock lever safety spring. I bent mine to reduce the pressure. Not hard to do....but requires some care. Slix Springs now manufactures a reduced power replacement lever safety spring for the Miroku, which eliminates having to fuss with the stock spring. So, if that option is appealing to you, that may be worth looking into.
i believe Pedersoli makes an Winchester 1894 copy, along with the 1886. As well as a pump action Colt Lightning clone.
Al
ps: I own both Miroku and Uberti 1873 rifles.
