Winchester Model 1886 26” .40-82 WCF Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1893 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,975.00
LSB#: LSB250731EK076
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Serial Number: 87913
Year of Manufacture: 1893 / Antique
Caliber: .40-82 WCF (Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 26”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch 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 nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has worn with some scattered light erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6.5+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is infrequent minor erosion on the barrel. There are some minor nicks and small scratches. Most of the finish has taken to a light mottled patina. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. 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 1893 and appears to have had a gentle life. With mild wear in the stocks, a decent bore and great mechanics, there aren’t many 1886s from the 19th Century that are still in this kind of shape. It has been refinished so it looks good for its age. This rifle’s condition is sure to interest the collectors, but it should still prove to be a good shooter or hunting rifle. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
