Winchester 1886 .45-90 WCF 26″ Octagon Lever Action Rifle 1893 Antique

SOLD FOR: $3,376.00

LSB#: LSB260130RL007

Make: Winchester

Model: 1886

Serial Number: 76377

Year of Manufacture:  1893 Antique

Caliber: .45-90 WCF

Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. New Haven Conn, USA/ 45-90”. The lower tang has patent dates and the serial number. The upper tang is marked “Model 1886”.  

Barrel Length: 26″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman “Beach” Style dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable spring leaf semi buckhorn with elevator that is dovetailed into the barrel. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, with engraved crescent steel buttplate. The LOP is 13″ from trigger to buttplate. The buttstock has been refinished. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is oil staining near the receiver, most notably in the wrist. There are no structural cracks. Overall this stock rates in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Color Case

Finish Originality: Original, some small parts may have been refinished or replaced, most notably the buttplate and tang screw.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well defined. There is minor erosion and some light corrosion pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 25% of its original finish. There are scattered corrosion stains throughout. There are light scratches and handling marks. There is operational wear throughout. The color case is muted with corrosion staining. The screw heads are lightly tooled but are serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good 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. This rifle is fairly sticky with old oil. 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 John Browning’s most important and enduring contributions to American firearms design, engineered specifically to handle the large, powerful cartridges of the black powder era. Introduced in 1886 and quickly gaining favor among frontiersmen, hunters, and sportsmen, the rifle offered a level of strength and reliability that surpassed earlier lever-action designs. This 1893 production example, chambered in .45-90 WCF, reflects the height of the big-bore lever gun era, with the .45-90 cartridge itself being a longer, more powerful extension of the .45-70, developed to deliver increased velocity and range for large and dangerous game on the American frontier.

This rifle shows the honest wear of long service, retaining approximately 25% of its original finish with scattered corrosion staining, handling marks, and operational wear throughout. The color case hardening has softened and blended with areas of patina, consistent with age and exposure. The walnut stock has been refinished and displays expected signs of use, including scratches, compression dents, and oil staining through the wrist, while remaining free of structural cracks. The engraved crescent buttplate and period-correct Lyman Beach front sight add visual and functional character, reinforcing the rifle’s identity as a working firearm from the late 19th century.

Mechanically, the rifle appears to function correctly, with tight lever lock-up and a crisp trigger, though it does exhibit some stiffness from aged lubrication. The bore remains serviceable, with visible rifling and moderate wear including light pitting and minor erosion, consistent with black powder use and age. The 26-inch octagonal barrel and traditional sighting arrangement maintain the rifle’s classic profile, while the tang sight provisions offer additional period-correct sighting options. This Model 1886 embodies the rugged history and enduring design of Winchester’s big-frame lever actions, presenting as a well-used but intact example of a true frontier-era rifle. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF