Custom Winchester Model 1886 20″ .45-70 Lever Rifle, 1894 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,919.99
LSB#: WY240905SP040
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Year of Manufacture: 1894, Antique
Caliber: .45-70
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle
Serial Number: 89206
Barrel Length: 20”, Round
Sights: The front sight is a blade dovetailed and screwed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn v-notch leaf with ramp dovetailed to the barrel. SIghts are not original to this rifle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The LOP measures 13.125″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scratches and th heel and toe show wear. The compressions on the stock and scratches on the stock. There are cracks that got repaired when the stock was refinished. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as a Refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case-Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion throughout. The bore appears to have been rebored to be chambered in a 45-70. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5 out of 10 for antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors’ firearms.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 10% of its metal finish. Finish remains only in well protected areas and around some raised features. Exposed surfaces have mostly gone to a patina with edges worn to white. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some minor surface oxidation and infrequent erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with useable slots. The markings are thin but legible. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. The lever locks up solidly. 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 / Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The 1886 is another of John Browning’s industry-changing designs. It is our favorite Winchester here, certainly the strongest built at the time and function leads to beauty. The 1886 was available in a variety of cartridges over its nearly 40 years of production and, while there were standard configurations, there were also special-order features which led to a wide number of variations available to the collector today. This is a nice example of an 1886 made in 1894. The rifle is chambered for .45-70, one of the original three chamberings offered for the model, and has a 20″ round barrel. The rifle shows honest wear for its age, but looks better than any of us will at over 130 years old! It still has strong mechanics and good markings. It will make a nice addition to a Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – C.M
