1886 SRC

[tman]

I got a browning 86 SRC that I would like to have the barrell and mag tube cut to 20". Any suggestions for a gunsmith to do it ?

[hfcable]

I got a browning 86 SRC that I would like to have the barrell and mag tube cut to 20". Any suggestions for a gunsmith to do it ?

i thought the carbine was already 20"?

i had the rifle with 26" barrel, and had rays gunsmithing in colorado springs, shorten it and turn it into a half round half octagon, etc

[Hobie]

Hmmmmmmm, McPherson, Clay, etc...

I don't quite understand the why of it other than you want to. I think for as large as the gun is overall the 22" is a perfect proportion. It certainly carries well and comfortably.

[gak]

Hmmmmmmm, McPherson, Clay, etc...

I don't quite understand the why of it other than you want to. I think for as large as the gun is overall the 22" is a perfect proportion. It certainly carries well and comfortably.

I'm with Hobie on this one. Proportions of the 22" are about the same as for the smaller framed 92's and 94's standard 20" carbines. If I were to go to trouble of shortening, I'd perhaps shorten it further yet and make it a "trapper" to give it a more specific "mission" or purpose of shortening. Don't have a calculator handy but top of head calc for the same 20% reduction as the 16" 92/94 trappers represented would make that 17.5-18" or so for the '86?

[Malamute]

I shortened mine to 20" and love it! It's the same length as a 94 carbine, fits the same scabbard/sheath, and carries great in hand in the thick stuff. I have no regrets whatsover about cutting it. I also put a good Lyman No 56 receiver sight on it, and mounted sling studs, the front one in the fore end band. I dont care for the mag tube type mounts, they just dont look quite right on old style guns. Inletting a knurled nut under the band for the stud gives a rock solid mounting thats easily removed when needed, and looks correct for older style guns.

Have a good smith do it. The magazine tube is threaded into the receiver, unlike the Browning 86 rifles, so the smith needs to know that when pricing the work, it isn't just a simple cut off from the back of the tube to shorten it. The mag tube needs to be bottomed out into the receiver before the magazine end cap screw is drilled into the barrel also.



Lyman No 56 sight,

[Sixgun]

Malamute,
I remember when those Lyman 56's were common. Don't see 'em anymore. In my opinion, the classiest receiver sight ever made.----------6

[OldWin]

Nice carbine Malamute! A very well balanced and useful package. I agree that the 56 Lyman is probably the best looking sight for an old Winchester. I have scrounged all I can and put them on "special" rifles.

[tman]

Thanks for all the replies. I need the shorter sight radius of 20" barrel. Since I was a kid, I shot better that way. Plus, I hunt in thick brush, so the shorter overall length and weight reduction is a big plus. Just looking for a good smith to do the job and not screw my baby up.