Winchester 1886 Takedown 24″ Half-Magazine .33 WCF Lever Rifle 1920 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,680.00
LSB#: LSB260419DN046
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886 Takedown
Year of Manufacture: 1920 / C&R
Caliber: .33 W.C.F.
Action Type: Takedown Lever Action, Half-Tube Magazine Fed Rifle
Serial Number: 157074
Markings: The left 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”, “MADE IN U.S.A.” and below the rear sight with “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL -.33 W.C.F.-“. The right of the barrel is marked “-MODEL 1886-“. The lower tang is marked “157074” with two patent dates.The top tang is marked “MODEL 86 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG.IN U.S.PAT.OFF”. There are Winchester proofs on the chamber ring and the top-rear of the barrel. The takedown lever is marked “-PAT.JUNE. 6.1893-“.
Barrel Length: 24”, Round
Sights: The front sight is a Lyman’s beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The bead has been removed. The rear sight has been cut at its base with the base still residing in the dovetail. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present). The left side of the receiver is mounted with a Providence Tool Co. Pattern 21 adjustable aperture sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and checkered Winchester hard rubber buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The nicks are dark with stain. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dull and the rifling is defined. There is light to mild erosion throughout. There is stubborn fouling that has oxidized throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 40% of its finish. Most of the finish on the receiver has worn to white or taken to a deep dark patina. The barrel and magazine tube retain a stronger amount of their blue finish with general thinning throughout. There is intermittent light oxidation and mottled patina. The rear sight has been cut off. There is thinning on the leading edges and muzzle. There are takedown marks under the barrel. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. The Half-cock safety functions properly. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1886 is one of John Moses Browning’s great lever-action designs and remains a prestige rifle among serious Winchester collectors. Built for powerful sporting cartridges, the 1886 was stronger and more refined than the earlier toggle-link Winchesters and became one of the premier American big-game lever rifles of its era. This 1920 takedown example is chambered in .33 W.C.F., a smokeless-era Winchester cartridge closely associated with later Model 1886 sporting rifles. The combination of a 24″ round barrel, half magazine, takedown configuration, and .33 W.C.F. chambering gives this rifle strong collector character, especially compared with more common full-magazine field rifles. The added Providence Tool Co. Pattern 21 aperture sight further enhances its period sporting appeal, giving it the look of a rifle set up by a serious early 20th century hunter.
This rifle rates in Good condition with about 40% remaining finish, clear markings, smooth correct function, and a 6/10 bore with defined rifling. The refinished walnut stocks remain attractive, and the rifle retains its desirable takedown configuration and classic late-1886 profile. Overall, this is a desirable C&R Winchester Model 1886 in .33 W.C.F. with strong historical status, scarce configuration appeal, and the unmistakable presence of one of Browning’s most respected lever-action designs. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.