The discussion here is interesting.
Have owned a number of Ruger #1's and Browning 78's and 85's. (Also own some original Winchesters.) Still have two Rugers and two Browning 78's as I prefer the pistol grip stock of the 78 to the straight gripped stocks of the Model 85's I have used.
Have hunted with both models. For hunting, both are more than adequate in the accuracy department. When the Ruger #1 and the Browning are compared, the Browning is a little harder to load if a low mounted scope is used and longer cartridges are easier to load than those which are shorter. The Ruger comes in a variety of barrel lengths and some versions are easier to handle in more densly forested areas whereas Brownings have longer barrels and are generally somewhat heavier.
Which is better is a matter of preferance. It is what style you like the best. Appearance wise, I like the Ruger #1 better than the Browning. However, I have only taken one big game animal with a Ruger #1 - one of my Brownings has accounted for 100+ big game animals (both work and sport) and is the first rifle I tend to pick up and use when I go into the field.
The Brownings that I have owned on average tend to be more accurate than the Rugers and have needed no, or less tuning than the Rugers. Wood on the Brownings has been nicer than the Rugers but the finish on the Brownings is usually more rippled and the edges are more rounded than the Rugers.
For field use, the worst feature of the Browning with the Pachmayr flush mounted sling swivels are the swivels - if one is not careful they twist and drop the rifle onto the ground.
If one is comparing the Browning 78/85 series with to original 1885 Winchester, I would take the original every time. If the question is between the Browning and the Ruger, take the one which handles best for you.
Bill
