Winchester 1886 .45-90 WCF 25 1/2″ Octagon Lever Action Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,175.00
LSB#: LSB251202KM036
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Serial Number: 34117
Year of Manufacture: 1889 Antique
Caliber: .45-90 WCF
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle
Barrel Length: 25 1/2” Octagonal.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf U notch semi buckhorn with elevator.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, and crescent-style steel buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks have possibly been changed. The wood near the upper tang leaves the metal proud. There are scattered handling marks, scratches, and compression dents throughout. There is oil darkening by most of the metal surfaces. There are a few small chips and cracks on the forend. Overall, the stocks rate in Poor to Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Color Case
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: This rifle has been rebored from a different caliber. The original caliber stamp has been obscured and “45-90” stamped over. The bore is gray and the rifling is defined. There is no erosion. There is light pitting and tool marks throughout. There is some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its current metal finish. The complete rifle has worn to a gray patina. There are scratches, handling wear, and corrosion stains throughout. The color case has worn to silver and has corrosion staining. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fair condition.
Mechanics: This rifle appears to function correctly. 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: The Winchester Model 1886 is one of John Moses Browning’s most celebrated lever action designs, created to handle the powerful big-bore cartridges demanded by late 19th century sportsmen and frontiersmen. Manufactured in 1889, this antique example comes from the early production period of the Model 1886, when Winchester was establishing the rifle’s reputation as a strong, reliable platform for heavy hunting cartridges. The long 25 1/2 inch octagonal barrel and substantial frame give this rifle a commanding presence, firmly rooted in the era of black powder big-game rifles.
Chambered in .45-90 Winchester Center Fire, this rifle reflects one of the premier long-range black powder cartridges of its day, favored for its ability to deliver heavy bullets with authority on large and dangerous game. This example has been rebored from a different original caliber, with the caliber marking re-stamped, a modification not uncommon on rifles that remained in use well beyond their original service life. The traditional iron sights, consisting of a beaded front blade and semi-buckhorn rear with elevator, are consistent with the rifle’s original sporting configuration. The bore is gray with defined rifling, showing light pitting, tool marks, and fouling, and rates 7 out of 10.
Overall condition is Fair. Virtually all original metal finish has worn away to a uniform gray patina, with scattered scratches, handling wear, and corrosion staining throughout. The color case on the receiver has largely faded to silver with visible staining, while the screw heads remain serviceable despite light tooling. The walnut stocks show significant wear, oil darkening, proud wood at the tangs, and small chips and cracks in the forend, placing them in Poor to Fair condition. Mechanically, the rifle appears sound, with tight lever lock-up and a crisp trigger. Taken together, this Winchester Model 1886 presents as an honest, heavily used antique big-bore lever rifle that clearly reflects its long working life and the rugged demands of its original era. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
