Winchester Miroku Model 1886 .45-70 Gov’t 26″ Lever Action Rifle, 1997-1998
SOLD FOR: $1400
LSB#: 220319DE003
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Serial Number: ES1681
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 “ES1681”. The grip cap is marked “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS”.
Barrel Length: 26?, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade that is dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn U-notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, and blued steel crescent buttplate. There are a couple scattered light draglines throughout the wood and a couple white marks on the front of the comb. 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 no significant wear. Overall, the stocks are in FineExcellent 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 98% of its metal finish. There is a faint scratch on the right side of the barrel. There is light operational wear. The screwheads are sharp. The screws are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine-Excellent 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: None.
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 seen very little use, if any. It retains 98% 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!