Custom Winchester Model 1886 26″ .50 Express Lever Action Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $5,460.00

LSB#: LSB251016K064

Make: Winchester

Model: 1886 

Year of Manufacture: 1907 

Caliber: .50 Express, 50-110 WCF

Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed Rifle with button magazine.

Serial Number: 141692

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.A-”.  The top of the chamber is marked “50 EX.”.  The top tang is marked “MODEL 1886 Trademark”.  The bottom tang is marked “Pat Oct 14, 1884, Jan 20, 1885” “141692” at the rear. There is a WP proofmark on the receiver but not the barrel.

Barrel Length: 26”, Octagon

Sights: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding multi leaf V notch.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and checkered rubber buttplate. The stocks have had some sanding done and finish added. There are handling marks, compression dents and scratches scattered throughout. There is minor oil darkening around the receiver. There are a couple small, repaired chips on the buttstock. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as refinished.   

Type of Finish:, Blued

Finish Originality:  Original

Bore Condition:  The bore is semi bright and the rifling is well defined.  There is very little erosion and wear in the bore, mostly in the groove. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10 for C&R.  

Overall Condition:  The rifle retains approximately 20% of its finish. The barrel has worn to a brown and gray patina. There is bluing wear on the leading edges and octagon points. The receiver has worn to a brown patina. There are scratches and handling marks throughout. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition as C&R. 

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, Paperwork & Accessories: Cody Firearms Museum Records Search

Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1886 dates to 1907 and represents one of the strongest and most iconic large frame lever actions ever produced. Designed by John M. Browning, the Model 1886 was engineered to handle powerful cartridges and demanding use, earning its reputation on the frontier and in serious sporting applications. While this rifle now presents in an imposing .50 Express configuration with a 26 inch octagon barrel, it is important to note that factory records confirm it originally left Winchester as a .33 W.C.F. with a round barrel and full magazine, making the current configuration a later, non factory custom conversion.

Chambered in .50 Express (50-110 W.C.F.), this rifle reflects one of the most powerful black powder era cartridges ever adapted to a lever action platform. The .50 Express was designed for large and dangerous game, delivering tremendous frontal area and deep penetration, and rifles so chambered evoke the height of late nineteenth and early twentieth century big game hunting. The bore on this example is notably strong for its age, remaining semi bright with well defined rifling and very little erosion, mostly confined to the grooves, and it rates an impressive 9 out of 10. The multi leaf rear sight and octagon barrel further reinforce the rifle’s heavy sporting intent.

Overall condition reflects extensive age, use, and later modification. Approximately 20 percent of the original metal finish remains, with the barrel and receiver worn to an even brown and gray patina and bluing loss concentrated along the octagon points and leading edges. The walnut stocks have been sanded and refinished at some point, showing scattered handling marks, minor oil darkening, and a few small repaired chips, but they remain serviceable and visually appropriate for a custom big bore lever rifle. Mechanically, the action functions smoothly with solid lockup and a crisp trigger. While not factory original in its present configuration, this rifle stands as a well executed and mechanically sound custom conversion that showcases the strength and adaptability of the Winchester Model 1886 platform. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!! MF