Winchester Model 1886 Carbine 22” RARE 38-70 WCF Lever Action Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $6,686.00
LSB#: LSB251016KS056
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886 Carbine
Serial Number: 102186
Year of Manufacture: 1895 / Antique (
Caliber: .38-70 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The bottom tang is marked with the serial number “102186” and with patent dates. The top tang is marked “–MODEL 1886”–. The top of the barrel near the receiver is marked “.38-70 W.C.F.” The barrel address is barely legible but reads “—MANUFACTURED BY THE—/ THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.”
Barrel Length: 22”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a two-position ladder sight (accurate for carbines), dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut Carbine style with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and carbine steel buttplate. The stocks have been sanded with finish added but the fit is good. The receiver is fitted with a saddle ring. There is a 3-inch crack in the forearm underneath the barrel band. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition, as replaced or refinished.
Type of Finish: Case Hardened / Blued
Finish Originality: original metal/refinished wood
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is slightly worn. There is some fouling present but no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at 7.5/10.
Overall Condition: This saddle ring carbine retains 10% of its original metal finish remaining in protected areas such as the crevice between the barrel and magazine. The bolt retains a significant amount of blue. The action has normal wear for a gun of this age. The case coloring has worn to mottled patches on the receiver and buttplate. There is some freckled pitting on the right side of the receiver and the lever. The screw heads are tool marked but servicable. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition, as an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly for cycling the action and pulling the trigger. We have not fired this rifle and would recommend that a competent gunsmith perform a full inspection before any use is considered. 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 stands as one of the most important heavy frame lever action rifles of the 19th century, designed by John Moses Browning to handle longer and more powerful cartridges than earlier Winchester designs. While the Model 1886 is most commonly encountered as a rifle, true carbines are scarce by comparison, having only 6223 produced out of the total 1886 production and typically subjected to hard frontier use. The 22 inch saddle ring carbine configuration represents Winchester’s vision of a powerful, fast handling arm suited for mounted travel, law enforcement, and frontier service during the final years of the American frontier.
Chambered in the exceedingly rare .38-70 WCF, this example occupies an elite position within Model 1886 production. According to Arthur Pirkle’s book, there were only 830 out of the total production of 156,599 Model 1886 rifles ever produced in .38-70, making this chambering one of the most elusive offerings in the model’s catalog and highly sought after by Winchester collectors. The combination of carbine configuration and .38-70 chambering elevates this rifle well beyond typical examples, placing it firmly into advanced collector territory where rarity, originality of configuration, and historical significance converge.
This antique saddle ring carbine shows honest age and use, with softened metal finish, visible case color remnants, and a bore that remains serviceable with sharp rifling. The refinished walnut stocks present well overall, maintaining proper fit and classic carbine profile despite noted age related wear. With its scarce chambering, correct carbine features, and documented 1895 manufacture, this Winchester represents a seldom encountered opportunity to acquire one of the rarest variations of the Model 1886 platform. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck! –
BF