Winchester Model 1886 26″ Oct. 40-65 Lever Rifle & Orig. BBL.1892, Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,725.00
LSB#: LSB250728SA001
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Year of Manufacture: 1892, Antique
Caliber: .40-65
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle
Serial Number: 64882
Barrel Length: 26”, Octagonal
Sights: The front sight is a German silver blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a Lyman No. 1 Tang Sight w/ Fold-Down aperture. There is a dovetail notch in the barrel for a rear ladder sight but the sight is not present.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “—MANUFACTURED BY THE —/—WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.A.—” The barrel is marked with the re-stamped caliber marking “.40-65 W.C.F.” near the chamber. The underside of the tang is marked with the serial number “64882” and “—PAT.OCT.14.1884 / JAN.20.1885—”. The extra original barrel that comes with the rifle is marked with the same barrel address and the correct “.40-65 W.C.F.” caliber marking.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut (Likely grade #2 XX) with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The finish on the stock has darkened over time to a darker brown. There is a chip in the buttstock on the right wrist where the upper tang meets the wood. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The compressions on the stock are dark with stain. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case-Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and shiny with sharp rifling. There is no erosion present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10 for antique.
Overall Condition: The barrel has been replaced with an original Winchester barrel in the original caliber of .40-65 W.C.F. The caliber markings have been re-stamped and the new barrel refinished. The receiver, lever, forearm cap, hammer and crescent buttplate have lost most of their original case hardened finish. It has turned to a mottled gray patina on all exposed surfaces. The barrel retains 90% of its blued finish and the tubular magazine retains approximately 70% of the blued finish. There are relatively few nicks and scratches in the metal finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear but fading. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. 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 / Accessories: Rifle comes with its original barrel, which is cracked.
Our Assessment: The 1886 is another of John Browning’s industry-changing designs. It is our favorite Winchester here, certainly the strongest built at the time and function leads to beauty. Browning designed the model 1886 to handle some of the more powerful cartridges of the period. Originally chambered in .45-70 Government, .45-90 Sharps, and .40-82 Winchester, it was later offered in a half dozen other large cartridges, including the .50-110 Express “Buffalo” cartridge. Despite being originally designed for use with black powder, the action was strong enough to make the jump to smokeless powder with only minor modifications. The 1886 was available in a variety of cartridges over its nearly 40 years of production and, while there were standard configurations, there were also special-order features which led to a wide number of variations available to the collector today.
This is a nice example of an 1886 made in 1892. The rifle is chambered for .40-65 W.C.F. and has a replacement 26″ octagonal barrel that is an original Winchester barrel with an exceptional bore. The rifle shows honest wear for its age, but looks better than any of us will at over 130 years old! It still has strong mechanics, good markings and an excellent bore. It will make a nice addition to a Winchester collection or a great shooter. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bid!
