Winchester Model 1886 Takedown 24″ .33 WCF Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1325
LSB#: 210624EK02
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886 Takedown
Year of Manufacture: 1919
Caliber: .33 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed Rifle
Serial Number: 156899
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PAT. OCT. 14. 1884. JAN. 20. 1885.” forward of the rear sight, “-NICKEL STEEL BARREL- / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER” beneath, and “33 W.C.F.” behind the rear sight. There are ovalled “WP” proofs on the top-rear of the barrel and top-front of the receiver. The top tang is marked “MODEL 86 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF.“. The bottom tang is marked “156899” at the rear.
Barrel Length: 24?, Round
Sights: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a base forged to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is King buckhorn elevator sight. The notch is fine adjustable for elevation with a white diamond aiming reference. The notch can be reversed to present a “U” or “V” notch. The top tang is drilled and tapped for a tang sight (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is a small loss at the toe. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear around the edges with well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in Good-Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and some minor pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 30% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is mostly in the barrel over the forend and on the bolt. Other surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is some scattered light surface oxidation and erosion. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. The lever locks up solidly. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The 1886 is another of John Browning’s industry-changing designs. It is our favorite Winchester here, certainly the strongest built at the time and function leads to beauty. The 1886 was available in a variety of cartridges over its nearly 40 years of production and, while there were standard configurations, there were also special-order features which led to a wide number of variations available to the collector today. This is a nice example of an 1886 with special order features including half-length magazine and takedown action. The rifle retains approximately 30% of its metal finish, honest wear in the refinished stocks and a decent bore. Any 1886 from the original 1886-1928 production run would be collectible, but this example with its special order features will make a fine addition to a Winchester collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!