Winchester 1886 ’86 Lightweight Stock 24″ .33 WCF Lever Rifle, MFD 1906 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 210424MA42
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Year of Manufacture: 1906
Caliber: .33 Winchester Center Fire (WCF)
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Serial Number: 141638
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PAT. OCT. 14. 1884. JAN. 20. 1885.” in front of the rear sight, the left is marked “-NICKEL STEEL BARREL- / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER” under the rear sight and the top is marked “33 W.C.F.” at the rear. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the chamber ring are each marked “WP” in oval. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1886 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK”. The bottom tang is marked “141638 A” behind the lever and under the lever with -“PAT OCT. 14. 1884. / JAN. 20. 1885.”-.
Barrel Length: 24? Nominal, 23 7/8? Measured, Round
Sights: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch leaf and elevator sight, dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a peep sight (none included). The left of the receiver has had two holes drilled and tapped for a receiver sight, no receiver sight is present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The buttstock has a tapered cavity cut into the rear under the buttplate, typical of lightweight models. A compass has been inlaid to the left of the buttstock, the compass appears functional. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The forend has a few short, thin cracks at the front edge and there is a loss at the top-left edge toward the front. The buttstock has losses at the toe, which have been finished over. There is some dark discoloration where the wood meets the metal. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has losses and cracks at the toe and on the right edge. There is a vertical crack across the left of the Winchester logo. The checkering and lettering show wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Good-plus condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Remaining finish is Original, most finish appears to have been intentionally removed.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 15% of its metal finish. The only remaining finish is on the bottom of the barrel, the top of the magazine tube, and some internal portions of the bolt and locking blocks, visible with the action open. Most other surfaces appear to have had the finish intentionally removed. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation and erosion with more notable erosion on the sides of the barrel and magazine tube toward the muzzle-end. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs, and scratches. The magazine tube has a shallow dent on the right just in front of the forend cap. The action shows operational wear. The left receiver flat has wear from a previously installed receiver sight. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with useable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. The trigger is crisp. The lever locks up tight. The hammer has a half-cock position. 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 rifle is chambered for the .33 WCF cartridge, a standard chambering for the 1886 from 1903 until the model was discontinued. It has a hollowed buttstock typical of the lightweight models and the stock has been equipped with a nifty compass so you won’t get lost in the woods. The .33 WCF is a good medium-range hunting cartridge, with performance roughly equivalent to or slightly better than .35 Remington. At nearly 120 years old, it appears to have seen use in the field, showing some scattered surface oxidation and erosion. It looks like someone started stripping the finish and this would be a great candidate for restoration, whether you’re looking to add to a collection or take this classic back out in the field. This is a nice old Winchester, perfect for any collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!