Winchester Miroku Model 1886 .45-70 Gov’t 20″ Lever Action Rifle, MFD 2012
SOLD FOR: $1450
LSB#: 210907BW25
Make: Winchester, Mfg. by Miroku
Model: 1886
Serial Number: 00250ZY86A
Year of Manufacture: 2012
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER”, “Model 1886 — Caliber 45-70 Govt ONLY” and at the rear with an ovalled “WP” proof. The right side of the barrel is marked “Made by Miroku – Japan — Imported by BACO, Inc. – Morgan, Utah / Winchester is a registered trademark of Olin Corporation”. The top of the chamber ring is marked with ovalled “WP”, the top tang is marked “WINCHESTER / MODEL 1886”. The bottom front of the receiver is marked “00250ZY86A”.
Barrel Length: 20” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade with a serrated rear face dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch semi-buckhorn leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The left side of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled in two places for a side-mounted sight (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and blued steel crescent buttplate. There are a couple hardly noticeable compression marks and light draglines, most noticeable on the belly. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered small spots of oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few light little nicks through the finish on the mag tube and there are some faint scratches on the sides of the receiver. The operational wear is faint. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a rebounding hammer and there is a tang-mounted safety. The lever lock-up is tight and 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: This is a Winchester Model 1886 made in 2012 by the Miroku Corporation. 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 issued rifle cartridge of the U.S. Army at the time. The design would later be shrunk for the model 1892. This modern reintroduction has the same action with a tang-mounted safety. It retains 97% of its metal finish with a great bore, strong mechanics, and would make a great addition to a collection. With its 20” barrel and .45-70 chambering, this would make a nice hunting rifle that could take just about any game in North America and won’t wear you down carrying it all day. If you’re looking for a .45-70 lever gun, you can’t do much better than this. Please see our photos and good luck!