Winchester Model 1886 Short Rifle .45-70 Gov’t Lever Action Rifle, MFD 2015
SOLD FOR: $1,280
LSB#: 200709ZP59
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886 Short Rifle
Serial Number: 00017ZV86A
Year of Manufacture: 2015 (ZV date code)
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER Model 1886 — Caliber .45-70 Govt. ONLY”. The right of the barrel is marked “Made by Miroku – Japan — Imported by BACO, Inc. – Morgan, Utah / Winchester is a registered trademark of Olin Corporation”. The top of the chamber ring and top-rear of the barrel are marked with ovalled “WP”, the top tang is marked “WINCHESTER / MODEL 1886”. The bottom front of the receiver is marked “00017 / ZV86A”.
Barrel Length: 24?, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch semi-buckhorn leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and blued steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have a few scattered minor scuffs and light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has a few scattered minor marks. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The bolt, lever and hammer show minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rebounding hammer returns to a half-cock safety and there is a tang-mounted safety. The lever lock-up is tight and 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: This is a Winchester model 1886 Short Rifle made in 2015, a modernized version of the original. The 1886 followed up the 1876, providing a much stronger action which was able to withstand larger and more powerful cartridges such as the .45-70, the issue rifle cartridge of the U.S. Army at the time. The design would later be shrunk for the model 1892. This modern reintroduction has the same action with a tang-mounted safety. This one doesn’t appear to have seen much use, if any, in Excellent condition. It retains 99% of its metal finish with a great bore, strong mechanics, and would make a great addition to any collection. With its 24? round barrel and .45-70 chambering, this would make a nice hunting rifle that could take just about any game in North America, though it’s a bit heavy for taking it on a long stalk. In such high condition, it will likely see interest from Winchester collectors as well. If you’re looking for a .45-70 lever gun, you can’t do much better than this. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle can be transferred in California.
