Winchester 1886 Extra Lightwight Takedown 22″ .33 WCF Lever Rifle, 1904 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1528
LSB#: 210409SD18
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886 Extra Lightweight Takedown
Year of Manufacture: 1904
Caliber: .33 Winchester Center Fire (WCF)
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle
Serial Number: 134831
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.-” 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 takedown lever is marked “-PAT. JUNE 6. 1893-“.The top tang is marked “MODEL 1886 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK”. The bottom tang is marked “134831” behind the lever and under the lever with -“PAT OCT. 14. 1884. / JAN. 20. 1885.”-.
Barrel Length: 22? Nominal, 21 7/8? Measured, Round Rapid Taper (0.9340″ at the breech, 0.6440″ at the muzzle)
Sights: The front sight is a Lyman’s white beaded blade with the rear face checkered below the bead, dovetailed to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch leaf and elevator sight with the notch fine-adjustable for elevation, dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a peep sight (none included). There is a drilled and tapped hole on the right of the receiver above the loading gate assembly which we believe is 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 the extra-lightweight models. Sling swivels have been installed in the belly and forend. The stocks have scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some more notable marks on the right of the forend and the left at the heel. There are small losses at each sling swivel and there is a repaired crack in the bottom-front of the forend which extends across the sling swivel mount. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has a chip loss at the toe, otherwise showing light wear with well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in about Good-Very Good condition as repaired.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 85% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is in the receiver and barrel extension which show scattered wear and light surface oxidation. The barrel’s finish is generally strong with infrequent light marks and faint surface oxidation. The lever has generally strong case color. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very 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 the rapid-taper barrel, hollowed buttstock, and half-length magazine of the extra-lightweight model. It it also a takedown model, making it quite convenient for storage and transport. 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 responsible use and maintenance with much of its finish remaining, the balance being consistent with carry in the field, and retaining a decent bore and strong mechanics. While this would likely still make a good hunting rifle today, it’s also likely to attract Winchester collectors as it is a less common model and in Very Good-plus condition. This is a nice old Winchester, perfect for any collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!