Winchester 1886 Extra Light .45-70 Gov’t 22″ Lever Action Rifle, 2000-2012
SOLD FOR: $1375
LSB#: 210909BW05
Make: Winchester, Mfg. in Japan by Miroku
Model: 1886 Extra Light
Serial Number: 00ESLR0273
Year of Manufacture: 2000-2012
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “U.S. REPEATING ARMS CO. INC., NEW HAVEN, CT U.S.A. / JAPAN/MIROKU” and “CAL. .45-70 GOVT”. The top of the barrel is marked “WP”, found again on the top of the chamber ring. The right of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 EXTRA LIGHT RIFLE. WINCHESTER LICENSEE”. The top tang is marked “WINCHESTER MODEL 1886”, the bottom-front of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “00ESLR / 0273”.
Barrel Length: 22”, Tapered
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed into a base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a buckhorn square notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip and checkered steel buttplate. There are some scattered nicks and scratches throughout, most notable on the right side of the wrist. There is a scuff on the left side of the forearm that stands out amongst the other defects. 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 has a couple of small spots of oxidation. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are some faint marks on the sides of the receiver and near the muzzle. There is very faint thinning around the muzzle. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever lock-up is tight and the trigger is crisp. There is a manual safety on the upper tang. 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: None.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester model 1886 Extra Light, a reproduction and variant of the original Winchester designed by John Browning. 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 issue rifle cartridge of the U.S. Army at the time. The design would later be shrunk for the model 1886. This modern reproduction is the Extra Light version. By appearances, this one has seen almost no use and is in Excellent condition. It retains 98% of its metal finish with a gorgeous bore, strong mechanics, and would make a great addition to any collection. Good luck and happy bidding!