Winchester Model 1886 ’86 26″ .45-70 Gov’t Lever Action Rifle MFD 1997-1998
SOLD FOR: $1758
LSB#: 210415CB05
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Serial Number: ES2337
Year of Manufacture: 1997-1998
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “U.S. REPEATING ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. / MADE IN JAPAN/MIROKU”, “-WINCHESTER- / LICENSEE” and at the rear with an ovalled “WP” proof. The top-rear of the barrel is marked “CAL. .45-70 GOVT”. The top of the chamber ring is marked with ovalled “WP”, the top tang is marked “WINCHESTER / MODEL 1886”. The bottom front of the receiver is marked “ES2337”.
Barrel Length: 26?, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square-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 minor nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable in the bottom of the forend and at the toe. There are 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 minor wear at the heel and toe with a spot of erosion at the heel. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-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 98% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor nicks and scuffs. The action shows faint 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 rebounding hammer, 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 made in 1997 or 1998. 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 appears to have seen little if any use. It retains 98% of its metal finish with a great bore, strong mechanics, and would make a great addition to any collection. With its 26? octagonal 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!