Winchester Model 1886 .33 WCF 24″ Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,275.00
LSB#: LSB260505JM010
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Year of Manufacture: 1918 C&R
Caliber: .33 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed Rifle
Serial Number: 155599A
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.A- Pat Oct 14 1884, Jan 20, 1885”. The top of the chamber is marked “.33 W.C.F.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “NICKEL STEEL BARREL / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS”. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1886”. The bottom tang is marked “155599A” at the rear.
Barrel Length: 24″, Round
Sights: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a base integral to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf U notch 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 smooth steel buttplate. The buttplate is a replacement. There is a trapdoor in the buttplate that opens to nothing. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. The stocks have been refinished. There is a repair along the comb. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are no cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is well defined. There is light erosion, mostly in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 50% of its original metal finish. The receiver has lost most of its finish. There are scratches and corrosion stains throughout. There are some light tool marks around sights and screws. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good condition.
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, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1886 was one of John M. Browning’s most important lever-action designs, created to handle the large and powerful rifle cartridges that exceeded the capabilities of Winchester’s earlier toggle-link actions. By the time this rifle was manufactured in 1918, the Model 1886 had evolved into a mature sporting arm, and the .33 W.C.F. chambering represented Winchester’s transition into the smokeless-powder era. Introduced as a flatter-shooting hunting cartridge, the .33 W.C.F. was well suited for deer, elk, and other North American game. This example retains the classic 24″ round barrel, full-length tubular magazine, straight-grip walnut stocks, and strong Browning-designed action associated with the model.
This rifle retains approximately 50% of its original blue finish, with most of the receiver finish worn away and scattered scratches, corrosion staining, and light tool marks around the sights and screws. The refinished walnut stocks show compression dents, scratches, and a repaired area along the comb, though no cracks are noted. The smooth steel buttplate is a replacement and has a trapdoor that does not correspond with a storage compartment in the stock. The bore is gray with well-defined rifling and light erosion concentrated mostly in the grooves, earning a 7/10 rating. Mechanically, the action operates smoothly, the lever locks solidly, and the trigger is crisp. Overall, this is a sound and attractive C&R Winchester with a desirable smokeless-powder chambering and substantial remaining collector and sporting interest. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF