Winchester 1895 vs Browning BLR 30/06

[Cast10]

Really want a 1895 new model Miroku and plan on making it my first cast bullet rifle. Powder coated and GC.

I’ve read all the threads on the original 95’s developing headspace issues, but the new models are GTG. I’m also not a nuclear loading type guy.

I want to be able to shoot this rifle whenever and however much. It would accompany me on the ranch. Again not heavy loads. Thinking of a 200ish grain load.

I would appreciate any first hand information you guys have these two rifles. I really want the 95, but the BLR sounds interesting, too. TIA!

[1Hawkeye]

Of the two I like 95 better but I will also suggest a third if you could find a Browning 1895 that would be my choice as the Brownings don't have the sliding tang safety the current Winchesters do and were also made by Miroku. The only advantage the BLR has is if you need a scope on the rifle.

[Cast10]

Thanks Hawkeye!

No scope.

I’ve read about the Brownings, but also read where the Winy’s MIGHT be a tad stronger as the Brownings were produced earlier. Should a Browing be presented, I’d have no problems getting it, though. Thank you sir.

[freakonaleash]

Scout out an original 95 in 30 06. They aren't that hard to find and are comparable in price. Mine shoots great. I use cast bullets and it performs well with bullets weighing 160-210gr. Mine also has a climin' Lyman peep. It will always be worth more down the road than the Jap version.

[ATCDoktor]

I have a browning copy of a Winchester Model 95 and it is quite accurate and with ammo it likes it can shoot better than I can hold at 100 yards:

5 shots at 100 yards with ancient surplus 30/06.
https://i.postimg.cc/wT90h0Kr/95D26C17-E2CA-4CD6-BCC0-7391A57D013F.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

The problem with my specific Browning 95 is that it’s not drilled and tapped for a reciever sight and there’s not enough elevation in the semi buckhorn sight to get me anywhere near the target at 100 yards when using cast boolits or reduced loads for Jwords.

So with that in mind, if your rifle is going to be used predominantly for CB loads you’ll need to get one that set up for a receiver sight or scope.

[Cast10]

Good info DOK! Thanks.

I AM wanting to put receiver sights on it…..

[Chena]

I have had both the Browning reproduction in .30-06 and an original in .30-40. I found the ‘06 to be an accurate rifle with a receiver sight, but it began to recoil a bit painfully with 200 grain j-words due to the drop of the butt stock. The .30-40 was a pussycat with 180 round nose core- lokts. It would also go subsonic using 160 cast without much effort. I regard the sliding safety as an improvement.

[stubshaft]

I had a Browning BLR in 308 and have an 1895 in 30 WCF, hands down the 1895 would be my choice.

[pietro]

.

The BLR is better for scope use; the Model 1895 better than issued with the addition of a receiver or bolt-top peepsight.

[Gray Fox]

I have both, a current BLR stainless takedown with the gray laminated stock in .308, and a mid-80s Miroku-Browning 1895 in .30-06. I have one of the reproduction climin Lyman side mount aperture sights on it. On the BLR I have the optional Browning scout scope base with a Vortex scout scope mounted. I load the 1895 to what I call my faux .30-40 load levels with the Lee 200 grain SP boolit, and the Hornady 220 grain round nose from deep in my stash of elk hunting components. I put one of the Limb Saver slip on recoil pads on it.
In the .308 I load the short shank version of the Ranch Dog 180 grain RNFP with beer can plain base gas checks to about 1800 fps. I need more opportunities to shoot both. My closest range is 80 miles away with a max distance of 100 yards. It would be nice if gas got cheaper again. GF

[Baltimoreed]

307221I have a Browning 1895 pre miroku tang safety in 30-06 that I want to restock as a NRA Musket like this one. It will join its older brothers—an 1866 uberti musket, an 1873 winchester musket and a uberti 1876 NWMP carbine.

[eastbank]

i had the browning 95 in 30-40 krag and was super with cast bullets up to 1700-1800 fps. as they headspace on the rim, sized the neck and just touched the shoulder. cases were good for 6-7 firings and more.

[missionary5155]

We have a Win. 95 (jap) in .405. It is one fine shooting machine.

[Cast10]

Thanks everyone! Good info. I guess I’ll be getting into GC, too!

[1Hawkeye]

When you find your rifle try a Lyman 311413 170gr or a 311299 200gr with 12.0 grs of Unique. I've had good luck with both of them in my Winchester m 54 and Remington m 700.