Winchester Model 1886 26″ .40-82 WCF Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1888 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,300.00
LSB#: LSB260707JR001
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Serial Number: 17341
Year of Manufacture: 1888 / Antique
Caliber: .40-82 WCF (Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 26″, Round. Muzzle has been shaved
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight with fine elevation adjustment, dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and crescent steel buttplate. The stocks have nicks, scuffs and scratches. The buttstock has been painted brown. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has worn with some scattered light erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original finish, though nearly all of the metal has been heavily cleaned to bright.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is defined where not interrupted by erosion. There is light to modest erosion and pitting down the length of the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 4/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about none of its current metal finish. Most of the finish has been cleaned bright. There is erosion and fine pitting throughout. There are scattered scratches, nicks, and dings throughout. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fair condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action is a bit sticky. However, the action functions correctly. We have not fired 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 John Moses Browning’s answer to the need for a stronger lever action capable of handling the large, powerful cartridges of the late black-powder era. Its robust locking-bolt action represented a substantial step beyond Winchester’s earlier toggle-link rifles and became one of the company’s most respected big-game designs. Introduced in 1886, the rifle was offered in a variety of substantial chamberings, including the .40-82 WCF, a cartridge well suited to the hunting and sporting demands of the American West. Manufactured in 1888, this example comes from the Model 1886’s very early production period and is properly classified as an Antique.
This rifle is configured with a 26″ round barrel, full-length magazine, straight-grip walnut stocks, and crescent steel buttplate. It has seen substantial use and alteration over its nearly 140-year life: the metal has been heavily cleaned to bright with erosion and fine pitting remaining, the buttstock has been painted brown, and the muzzle has been shaved. The bore is dark with defined rifling, moderate wear, and a 4/10 rating, while the somewhat sticky action nevertheless functions correctly. Though far from a high-condition collector example, this is an authentic early-production Model 1886 in the desirable .40-82 WCF chambering and offers the unmistakable character of a working Winchester from the closing years of the frontier era. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.