Browning Model 1886 Carbine Like Winchester .45-70 Gov't Lever Rifle, 1992

More Sold Fine Modern Arms

Sold For: $1,525

LSB#: 201017GW55

Make: Browning

Model: 1886 Carbine, Limited Edition Grade 1

Serial Number: 06401NY1C7

Year of Manufacture: 1992 (NY date code)

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN” and “.45-70 GOVT”. The top of the barrel is marked “NP”, found again on the top of the chamber ring. The right of the barrel is marked “BROWNING MODEL 1886 CALIBER .45-70 GOVT”. The top tang is marked “BROWNING MODEL 1886”, the bottom-front of the receiver is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 22?, Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder-style sight showing a “U”-notch when folded down. When folded up, the crosspiece has a “U”-notch and the ladder is graduated from “0” to “20” with single hashes and markings in increments of 5.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip and carbine-style steel buttplate. The stocks have a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine 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 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks, most in the receiver. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine-Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock 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 Browning model 1886 Carbine, a reproduction of the original Winchester which was, ironically, designed by John Browning. 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 reproduction has the same action and was produced as a limited edition between 1992-1993 with only 7,000 Grade I rifles made and an additional 3,000 High Grade rifles. This one doesn’t appear to have seen much use, in Fine-Excellent condition. It retains 97% of its metal finish with a great bore, strong mechanics, and would make a great addition to any collection. With its 22? round barrel it’s fairly handy as .45-70 lever action rifles go. This would make a nice hunting rifle that could take just about any game in North America, though in such high condition, it will likely see interest from both Browning and Winchester collectors. 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.