Winchester Miroku Model 1886 .45-70 Gov’t 26? Octagon Lever Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,530.00
LSB#: LSB251012JH004
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Serial Number: ES2399
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “U.S. REPEATING ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. / MADE IN JAPAN”, “-WINCHESTER- / LICENSEE” and at the rear with an ovalled “WP” proof. The top-rear of the barrel is marked “CAL. .45-70 GOVT”. 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 “ES1958”. The grip cap is marked “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS”.
Barrel Length: 26”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe style that is dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is removed and the dovetail plugged. There is a Marbles tang sight installed. The tang screw is stripped.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and blued steel crescent buttplate. There are scattered compression dents, scratches and handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion. There is fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are minor handling marks and scratches throughout. The screwheads are sharp. The screws are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rebounding hammer and tang safety have been converted back to a half cock style. 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: The Winchester Model 1886 stands as one of John Moses Browning’s strongest and most respected lever action designs, engineered from the outset to handle powerful large bore cartridges with confidence and durability. Originally introduced in the late nineteenth century, the Model 1886 earned its reputation in the hands of hunters, frontiersmen, and sportsmen who demanded strength and reliability in demanding conditions. Modern Miroku manufactured examples such as this one faithfully reproduce the scale, balance, and mechanical authority of the original while benefiting from modern machining and metallurgy.
Chambered in .45-70 Government, this rifle is paired with one of the most historically significant cartridges in American firearms history. Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873, the .45-70 became synonymous with power, penetration, and versatility across military, sporting, and frontier use. The long 26 inch octagonal barrel reinforces the rifle’s classic profile while contributing to steady handling and efficient performance, and the tubular magazine fed lever action remains smooth and authoritative. The globe front sight and installed Marbles tang sight reflect a traditional sighting arrangement consistent with the rifle’s historical role, even with the rear barrel dovetail now neatly plugged.
This example retains approximately 98 percent of its original blued finish, with only minor handling marks and light scratches visible throughout. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion present, showing fouling and rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stocks show scattered compression marks and handling wear but remain free of cracks or chips, presenting in Very Good condition with a measured length of pull of 13 inches. Markings are clear, screw heads are sharp, and the action functions correctly with a tight lock-up and crisp trigger, having been converted from the rebounding hammer and tang safety configuration back to a traditional half cock arrangement. Overall, this rifle presents as a well-kept modern interpretation of one of Winchester’s most powerful and iconic lever action designs. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! M
