[mike]

There are some very interesting posts on this subject. I don't understand the controversy over hunting with Winchester '86s. I own several and HUNT with them all. Some have been dropped, banged up by horses, etc. These guns were made to be used, not hung on a wall. If I owned a MINT condition original 1886, it would most likely not be used. These rifles are very rare and command 5 and 6 figure prices. The average good condition shooter guns are very available at reasonable cost. I guess that reasonable for some is unreasonable to others. The '86 I bought last year is an 1890 vintage 38-56WCF with perfect bore, good average wood, and about 60% finish on the metal. At $850. it was a good buy. Two hogs have fallen to it, so far.
I do not own any Marlins, so have no comparison to make. Marlin has an excellent reputation of producing extremely accurate and durable products. They are quite a bit less expensive than the Miroku 1886s, too. I don't know why USRA placed such a big tag on their guns. I snagged one when they first came out a couple of years ago. It cost me a lot less than the suggested retail price, though. It is a nicely made gun, but definitely not a collectors item. These are also made to shoot, not grace a wall. They have a super smooth action and can handle the heaviest loads with ease. It's too bad that my shoulder can't do the same.
Best regards to all, Mike

 

[mike]

Charlie, is that AO a bolt mounted peep? Mine has a Williams FP that seems to work just fine. There's an old Winchester bolt peep in somewhere in my boxes of gun stuff that could also be on the Miroku. I do agree, Alyeska, that it is a fine piece of machinery that I'm darned pyoud to own. 'Sides, it gives the 1912 vintage 45-70 LW a break.