Winchester Model 1886 ’86 .45-70 Govt. 26″ Lever Action Rifle MFD 1997-1998
SOLD FOR: $1824
LSB#: 211021PB02
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Serial Number: ES2399
Year of Manufacture: 1997-1998
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “U.S. REPEATING ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. / MADE IN JAPAN”, “-WINCHESTER- / LICENSEE” and at the rear with an ovalled “WP” proof. The top-rear of the barrel is marked “CAL. .45-70 GOVT”. The top of the chamber ring is marked with ovalled “WP”, the top tang is marked “WINCHESTER / MODEL 1886”. The bottom front of the receiver is marked “ES2399”. The upper tang safety has been removed and in its place is a metal inlay marked “MAX / B” vertically.
Barrel Length: 26?, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe sight with an interchangeable leaf sight; currently installed is a circle atop a post. No additional leaves are included. The rear sight has been removed and replaced with a blank dovetail. The upper tang is equipped with a Marbles peep aperture sight that is fully adjustable.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and blued steel crescent buttplate. There are scattered light draglines throughout the wood. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light thinning sling the edges and a faint spot of oxidation near the toe. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 91% of its metal finish. There is light thinning at the leading edges of the receiver and some light finish loss on the loading gate. There are faint nicks and scratches throughout the receiver and barrel. There is light thinning around the muzzle. There is light operational wear. The screwheads are sharp. The rear tang screw is stripped and does not unscrew. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a rebounding hammer and there is a tang-mounted safety. The lever lock-up is tight and 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: Included is brown leather stock cover.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 1886 made in 1997 or 1998. The 1886 followed up the 1876, providing a much stronger action which was able to withstand larger and more powerful cartridges such as the .45-70, the issued rifle cartridge of the U.S. Army at the time. The design would later be shrunk for the model 1892. This modern reintroduction has the same action with a tang-mounted safety. This one appears to have been well maintained by its previous owner. It retains 91% of its metal finish with a great bore, strong mechanics, and would make a great addition to a collection. With its 26? octagonal barrel and .45-70 chambering, this would make a nice hunting rifle that could take just about any game in North America, though it’s a bit heavy for taking it on a long stalk. If you’re looking for a .45-70 lever gun, you can’t do much better than this. Please see our photos and good luck!