Winchester Model 1886 26” .45-70 Govt. Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1892 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,875.01
LSB#: LSB251102CE007
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Year of Manufacture: 1892, Antique
Caliber: .45-70
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle
Serial Number: 66146
Barrel Length: 26”, Round
Sights: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn v-notch sight with elevator dovetailed to the barrel. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have been refinished. There are scattered scratches, handling marks, and compression dents, some have been finished over. There is oil darkening by the receiver. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks are in about Good condition as a refinish.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case-Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is very light erosion throughout. There is no pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5 out of 10 for antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors’ firearms.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains virtually none of its metal finish. Finish remains only in well protected areas and around some raised features. The bolt appears to be a replacement as it has more finish than the rest of the rifle. There are scattered pits, handling marks, and scratches throughout. The receiver has been scrubbed so no color remains. The left side of the receiver has a grinding gouge from the scrubbing. There is corrosion staining throughout. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled with useable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition as Antique.
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 / Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1886 stands as one of John M. Browning’s most celebrated lever action designs, created to handle the powerful big-bore cartridges demanded by late 19th century hunters, frontiersmen, and sportsmen. Manufactured in 1892, this antique example reflects the early years of Model 1886 production, when Winchester was positioning the rifle as its premier “express” lever action capable of taking any North American game. The 26 inch round barrel, semi-buckhorn rear sight, and classic crescent buttplate give this rifle the long, purposeful profile associated with serious sporting rifles of the black powder era.
Chambered in .45-70 Government, the Model 1886 was specifically engineered to handle this and other large-frame cartridges with a strength and smoothness unmatched by earlier toggle-link designs. The .45-70 had already earned a formidable reputation through military service and civilian hunting use, valued for its deep penetration, flexibility in loading, and effectiveness on large game. On this rifle, the bore remains bright with sharp rifling and no pitting, showing only very light erosion and rating 8.5 out of 10 for an antique, an especially strong showing given the corrosive nature of black powder ammunition and the age of the firearm.
Overall condition reflects extensive honest use and age, with virtually none of the original metal finish remaining outside of protected areas. The receiver has been scrubbed, leaving no remaining case color and a visible grinding gouge on the left side, while scattered pitting, corrosion staining, and handling marks are present throughout. The bolt appears to be a replacement, retaining more finish than the surrounding metal. The refinished walnut stocks present well overall, with scattered handling marks and oil darkening near the receiver but no structural cracks or chips. Mechanically, the action functions smoothly with solid lockup and a crisp trigger, underscoring the enduring strength of Browning’s design. As an 1892-dated Winchester Model 1886 in .45-70, this rifle offers a compelling example of a hard-used but mechanically sound antique from the height of America’s big-bore lever action era. We are no longer offering layaway. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF