Winchester Miroku 1886TD 1/500 .45-70 Gov’t 26″ Takedown Lever Rifle, 2001
SOLD FOR: $1800
LSB#: 210831RL11
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886TD Limited 1 of 500
Serial Number: 00235MZ86T
Year of Manufacture: 2001
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Takedown 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-“, “WINCHESTER TRADEMARKS LICENSED FROM OLIN CORPORATION”, and at the rear with an ovalled “WP” proof. The top-rear of the barrel is marked “CAL. .45-70 GOVT”. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked “1886TD-LTD 1 OF 500”. 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 “00235 / MZ86T”. The bottom of the takedown bracket is marked “0235”
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 U-notch semi-buckhorn leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. There is a light rub spot on the right side of the buttstock, likely from rubbing against the box in storage. There are a few faint handling marks on the right of the forearm. 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 shows some light oxidation on the top of the heel and few light marks on the face. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Matte Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is a tiny spot of faint oxidation on the lever. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There is light operational wear. The screwheads 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 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: Included is a serial matching box and manual. The box is torn on both sides of the top piece.
Our Assessment: 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 issued rifle cartridge of the U.S. Army at the time. The design would later be shrunk for the model 1892. This example is a limited 1/500 Model 1886TD with a matte black finish. This one appears to have seen little if any. It retains 98% of its metal finish with a great bore, strong mechanics, and would make a great addition to a 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. 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!