Just a quick review for anyone who is interested. I recently picked up a Miroku Winchester 1892 Carbine in 44 Mag and wanted to share my experience.
Pro's
Bore - Mirror smooth, shoots lead with no leading at all.
Trigger - Its just fine despite the rumors about the rebounding hammer ruining the trigger pull. I have not measured mine but it is a bit lighter than my 80's vintage model 94. Way lighter than my 80's vintage Marlin 336. No noticeable creep.
Action - Smooth and easy to operate.
Sights - Buckhorns, not great for super precision but can cans and milk jugs full of water are in danger every time. I'm not a hunter but I would have no reserves for short range deer, hog and bear hunting if I was.
Fit and finish - Superb
Feeding - I have not tried SWC but 240 GR JHP and any other roundish shape feeds fine, 44 special included despite it saying 44 Mag only on the barrel.
Wood - A touch plain but attractive and fit very well.
Cons
Stock - Is a little short for ape sized guys like me.
Throat - The throat is a touch short with my molds the part of the bullet ahead of the crimp groove hits the rifling. I just seat them a bit shorter and crimp the case into the lead in front of the crimp groove. Problem solved. I will shop for a mold that works without having to fudge AOL.
Cost - This is a tentative con. I was ok with the cost considering the overall quality.
Made in Japan - Not an issue for me but I included it because I know some have a problem with this.
Tang safety and Rebounding hammer - Again, not an issue for me but some traditionalists can't deal with it so I included it under "Cons".
Recoil - Its a thumper with full powered ammo and steel butt plate. Lighter cast loads are a pleasure. Might look into some kind of cool leather thingy to extend the stock and soften recoil a bit.
Overall - I am totally happy
If anyone is considering one and has questions I'll try to answer them for you.
Thanks
Mike