Winchester Model 1886 26″ Round .45-70 Gov’t Lever Action Rifle, 1900 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,469.00
LSB#: LSB250628BE036
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1900
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Serial Number: 121750
Barrel Length: 26″, Round
Sights: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The sights are not original to the gun. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. There is a sling mount inlaied to the belly, there is no provision for a forward sling mount. A copper sheet has been tacked around the toe, likely a repair. There are some losses around the front edges of the wrist. There are scattered dings, nicks, scuffs and scratches. The LOP measures 13? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has worn to white with many nicks in the face and minor oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as repaired.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is well defined. There is light erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 25% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is finish wear along the top of the barrel and bottom of the magazine tube with some good finish on the opposite sides. Much of the receiver has muted or gone to a nickel-like appearance with strongest case color in the top tang, likely where a tang sight was previously installed. There is scattered light surface oxidation with some patches of erosion on the barrel and magazine. There are some nicks and scratches, most notable is spiraled scratching on the magazine. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots, some screws appear to be replacements. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box / 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 rifle is from 1900, chambered for the .45-70 Gov’t cartridge with a 26″ round barrel. The .45-70 has been given a new lease on life with the advent of smokeless powder and projectile designs that give Spitzer performance while being safe for use in tubular magazines. This rifle is starting to show its age with a copper sheet tacked to the toe and wear consistent with its age. It would make a wonderful addition to any collection and will display well with its “been there, done that” appearance. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
