Uberti 1866 Carbine Mod.66 Yellow Boy .44-40 WCF Lever Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $786.99
WOA: WY240326JS004
Make: A. Uberti
Model: 1866 Carbine 19” .44 WCF Yellow Boy
Serial Number: 89048
Year of Manufacture: 2002 (BS DATE CODE)
Caliber: .44-40 Win.
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full Length Mag Tube
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “UBERTI USA, LAKEVILLE CT / MADE IN ITALY BY A.UBERTI”, “.44 W.C.F.”. The top tang is marked “MOD.66 CARBINE”. The bottom tang is marked “89048”, “CAT.1563”, “BS”, “A.UBERTI-ITALY”.
Barrel Length: 19”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade banded to the barrel and mag tube. The rear sight is a folding square notch when down and a v-notch and square notch set at different elevations, dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with straight grip, straight comb, and a brass buttplate. The buttstock has a leather stock cover laced to the buttstock. There is a turn safety switch on the lower tang that locks the lever from actuating. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13.35” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate and 13 ¾” to the rear of the stock cover. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition. There are no chips or cracks. There are some compression marks and shallow nicks scattered throughout the stocks.
Type of Finish: Blue & Brass w/ Case Color Lever & Hammer
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10. There is some light fouling in the grooves and lands.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. The case coloring on the lever is strong and the color on the hammer is muted. There is operation wear on the lever and hammer. The screw heads tool marked to sharp with serviceable slots. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition. There are some light scratches on the receiver along with a few spots where the brass has tarnished. There is some carbon buildup in the lifter box. The muzzle has finish loss. The top of the receiver has some more heavy operation wear and dings with some freckled patina scattered about.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly thorough the tension on the hammer is pretty light and the spring may need replaced. The lever lock is present. The hammer has a quarter cock safety position. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with its leather stock cover.
Our Assessment: This Uberti made replica of the Winchester model 1866 is a lever-action repeating rifle that takes .44-40 rounds. The Winchester model 1866 is an iconic design, playing an important role in firearms history. Nicknamed the “Yellowboy” because of its brass receiver, the rifle was purchased by a number of nations for military use. The Ottoman Empire used Winchester repeating rifles against the Russian military during the Siege of Plevna in the late 1870s. The modern repeaters outperformed the archaic rifles the Russian troops had equipped, leading to disproportionate casualties on the Russian side. Despite the eventual victory of the Russian led coalition, the effectiveness of the Winchester repeating rifles led European powers to upgrade their arsenals with repeating arms and magazine fed rifles in lieu of single-shot weapons. This is one rifle you do not want to miss out on! Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
