Winchester Model 1886 26” .38-56 WCF Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1894 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: LSB250911ST003
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Serial Number: 92266
Year of Manufacture: 1894 / Antique
Caliber: .38-56 WCF (Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The bottom tang is marked with the serial number “ 92266”. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1886”. The top of the barrel near the receiver is marked “.38-56 W.C.F.” The barrel address is barely legible “—MANUFACTURED BY THE—/ THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.”
Barrel Length: 26”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch buckhorn elevator sight with fine elevation adjustment, dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and crescent steel buttplate. The stocks have significant and critical cracks and chips throughout affecting stability! There is a major crack in the wrist that was previously repaired with a through bolt. However, the crack has continued to widen and now runs the full length of the buttstock. There are significant chips near the tang making the buttstock very loose. There is another crack running several inches from the bottom tang and one on the right side of the buttstock. There are significant chips out of both sides of the forearm running 4-5 inches along the barrel. There are many nicks, cracks and scuffs in the stocks showing that unfortunately this rifle has seen better days. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is a screw missing from the forearm cap and other screws have been replaced. Overall, the stocks are in Poor condition.
Type of Finish: Case / blued
Finish Originality: original
Bore Condition: The bore is very dark with heavy erosion and putting throughout. The rifling however is still visible. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 2 or 3 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains 0% of its original metal finish. The finish has thinned down to the white on the barrel and receiver and is marked with mottled patches of oxidation and pitting and there is significant erosion on the barrel with nicks and scratches throughout. The action shows significant operational wear. The screw heads are all tool marked and the markings are faint to the point of being illegible. Overall, this rifle is in Poor condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly as far as cycling the action and pulling the trigger. We have not fired this rifle and would recommend that a competent gunsmith perform a full inspection before any use is considered. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Winchester’s first attempt at a lever action rifle capable of handling a rifle cartridge was the Model 1876, which was a heavier framed version of the Model 1873. However, the toggle-link action used in the gun was still limited to short cartridges like the .40-60 and .45-60 Win. The Model 1886 was designed for Winchester by John Moses Browning to handle longer cartridges like the .45-70 Govt., the .45-90 Win. and .50-110 Win. cartridges. The Model 1886 utilized a locked-bolt action that was much stronger than the M1876, and some think it is faster and smoother as well. The Winchester Model 1886 was touted as a lever action express model, capable of handling any of the North American game animals.
This rifle was made in 1894 and appears to have lived a very rough life. With multiple critical cracks in the stocks, significant deterioration of finish and a poor quality bore showing extensive erosion, a competent gunsmith that is well-versed in antiques should perform a full inspection. The rifle could be a candidate for restoration. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck!
BF
