what is it about the 1876?

[KWK]

The first time I heard about an 1876 Winchester was in an NRA interview with Bill Ruger, not long before he died. As I recall he mentioned the 1876 as a particularly fine looking rifle. I had to look it up in a book at the library and thought "what an ugly gun."

As CAS made a market for all manner of old firearms, the 1876 was resurrected. I saw some reviews in magazines and thought "what an ugly gun."

Yesterday, at a gun store not far from here, I came across an 1876 for the first time. It was an unfired Chaparral carbine in .45-60. I had the lady bring it out from behind the counter and looked it over and shouldered it many times; and I thought "oh, I kind of see what ole Ruger was saying."

I've handled Henry's several times, including yesterday, and I couldn't get used to that much weight in such a mild cartridge. While this 1876 weighed little less, it seemed to balance better, but perhaps a proper fore end simply allows one to get a better purchase on the gun. That the cartridge had a more suitable amount of oomph for the weight of the gun may have also influenced my impression of it's heft.

Now, I'm a smokeless / jacketed / small bore sort of shooter and the 1876 is a black / lead / big bore sort of gun, so I doubt I'll own one, but I'll admit my mind did start wondering what sort of suitable wildcat I could dream up that would work in an 1876.

I'm left wondering: What is it about this great dinosaur of a rifle that is so appealing? Is it simply the "great dinosaur" bit?

Regardless, I wanted to let you 1876 shooters know I no longer think of you as a bit touched. Indeed, I'll tip my hat to any of you I might meet at a range.

Karl

[pinto beans]

KWK be careful, those 76 rifles are addictive!  Two friends of mine are owners and fans of AR rifles.  Both got to handle my Uberti 76 right after I got it and both were struck by its balance and feel.  Just something about them that is very pleasing in both fit and appearance.  Many folks on here much better able than I to describe what it is about these rifles.  All I know is I was hooked from first time handling one and sure enjoy mine.

P.B.

[ndnchf]

There is something about the combination of rarity, size, beautiful lines and mystique that culminate in the magic of a '76!

[Advertising]

[dusty texian]

If somebody figgures out What it ia about the 1876 ! Let me know cause I got it bad!.No foolin, they are my FAVORITE Winchester model,,,,,,Dusty

[MJN77]

When I first became fascinated with the "old west" about twenty five years ago, the 1873 Winchester quickly became my favorite 19th century rifle. It was a reliable, functional and beautiful firearm. The 1876 is just a bigger version of the 1873 with the same reliability, function and beauty but chambered in more powerful cartridges. What's not to like.

[Bittertrigger]

It all starts when you first pick up that first Winchester 73
It's only natural that you would want to get a big brother in the 76

[hammer1]

Ive been through quite a few rifles, I did the military rifle stuff, 8 years and 3 combat tours, no thanks. The AR, is a decent rifle, still have my m1a, always will. Did alot of long range and ultra long range shooting, still have my AIAW,338 lapua, and have tried it out to a 1400 yards. A few years back , I wanted something different, got into sharps single shots, have 4. The deep bluing, and nice wood, bought a uberti 73 sporting, again the bluing and wood. Loved the rifle, just as enjoyable to look at as to shoot. The 73 lacked in one aspect, range.  Couldn't warm up to the 86, then saw what I thought was from a distance was a odd looking 73, handled the big 76, and the uberti went home with me.  A 350 gr lead bullet at 1400 fps was picking up where the 45 colt from my 73 left off with the 250 gr. At 1150 to 1200. Smooth, a delight to shoot, good range with a big heavy bullet. Throw the lever, and hear the click clack, chunk chunk, like a steampunk movie. Just a amazing substantial rifle to shoulder and shoot

[yahoody]

Have at least one of every Winchester lever gun Henry to the '95.  Like them all.  But by far the '76 is my favorite.  Last one to own and shoot.  So may be it is just a crush.  But thinking true love at this point.

[Forty Rod]

Like Yahoody, I have a Henry, '66, '73,'76, 86, '92, '94, and '95... all full length rifles.

The '73 is my favorite, but that  '76 runs a close second.

I just can't see toting it into the field without a carriage and caisson, and a crew to man the big SOB.

[yahoody]

You'd be surprised what a 20 or 22" '76  feels like to pack around.   It's nice.  And quite  reasonable in that barrel length.  Still 8.8# unloaded however.

[rbertalotto]

Yup, next to the Burgess, one of my my favorite lever rifles. But in my hands, it's hard to beat the feeling of an original 1892

I got it bad!

1860 Iron Frame
1866
1873 (1 Uberti, 1 Winchester vintafe)
Burgess
1876
1886
1892 (Many!)
1894 (2 vintage , 1 post 64)
Marlin
1881
1889
1894 (3030, 38-55, 45LC, 32Magnum)
1895
1897
336

[matt45]

I bought my Centennial because it is the ultimate development of the toggle link action.  After holding, admiring and firing mine it is just a hoot to shoot 

[Roosterman]

I have a '76 in 45-60 and love it. Shoots a big bullet a good distance. I can shoot it well off the bench or sitting. I have never been comfortable with it off hand. The weight isn't a problem, I think it's the short pull and drop I'm having trouble with. I think i''ll get it out this spring and have another go round with it. I have a new 400gr. bullet mold  for it anyway.

[yahoody]

Power of a '86, slicker than a '73.  Rare, expensive and hard to find/feed.  What's not to like 

[Roosterman]

I have a '76 in 45-60 and love it. Shoots a big bullet a good distance. I can shoot it well off the bench or sitting. I have never been comfortable with it off hand. The weight isn't a problem, I think it's the short pull and drop I'm having trouble with. I think i''ll get it out this spring and have another go round with it. I have a new 400gr. bullet mold  for it anyway.

Just occurred to me I could restock it with a shotgun style buttstock and more suitable drop and pull.