Mostly Long Guns

In 1978 Browning Arms Company began importing a series of Winchester pattern lever-action rifles and carbines that were produced in Japan by Miroku. Each model variation was based on the designs of John M.

- Brian Pearce

Browning, who originally sold his patents to Winchester Repeating Arms Company, with all becoming highly popular rifles. The modern Browning versions are of particularly high quality, at least in regard to machining and steel quality, resulting in outstanding reliability, strength and accuracy. They have been chambered in both modern and traditional cartridges.

Most model variants were produced with blue steel and featured relatively plain French walnut stocks that served to keep costs in check. They were also intended to appeal to hunters and shooters. Most models were also offered in high-grade limited editions with engraved French gray (satin) receivers, gold highlights featuring appropriate game animals and checkered select grade French walnut stocks.

In spite of being patterned after original Winchester rifles and carbines, the Browning rifles were built on metric tooling. As a result, screws, barrel threads and other parts are not generally interchangeable. Other minor design changes included coil mainsprings, etc. Nonetheless, they displayed top-notch machining, tight tolerances and were thoroughly tested by the factory for function and reliability.

Browning barrels were forged from heat-treated steel billets and were meticulously straightened for top-notch accuracy. Their internal surfaces usually exhibited a mirror-like finish that had the potential to produce excellent results with both cast and jacketed bullets.

Unlike subsequent Miroku guns sold under the Winchester trademark, Browning reproductions are void of the rebounding hammer known to occasionally cause misfires and inhibit smooth function when being cycled at the shoulder; nor do they have the undesirable tang safety. Instead, they function exactly as Mr. Browning intended.