Winchester Model 1886 26″ Octagonal .40-65 WCF Lever Rifle, 1888 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2926
LSB#: 230914LM138
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Year of Manufacture: 1888
Caliber: .40-65 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle
Serial Number: 18760
Barrel Length: 26?, Octagonal
Sights: The front sight is a german silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed and screw-set to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled and tapped with a Lyman folding tang sight installed, adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The front of the comb has been relieved for the peep sight. The stocks have some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with the most notable marks in the belly. There is some discoloration, mostly around the edges of the metal. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has been polished, but does have scattered surface erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-Fine condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case-Color
Finish Originality: The frame’s finish is Original, the barrel and magazine tube have been refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors’ firearms.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 85% of its current metal finish. The barrel and magazine tube have generally strong finish with some edge-thinning and scattered minor marks. The receiver’s case color has mostly gone to a nickel-like appearance with some figuring of the case color remaining in protected areas. There are some light nicks and scratches with infrequent minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. There is odd wear around the hammer screw on the right of the frame. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine-Excellent condition as partially refinished 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: None
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. 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 1898. The rifle is chambered for .40-65, a cartridge developed for the model, and has a 26″ octagonal barrel. The barrel and magazine tube have been refinished, so it looks great for its age. The receiver has mostly gone to a nickel-like appearance, common for the case hardened receivers of these early 1886 models. It still has strong mechanics, a nice bore and good markings. It will make a great addition to a Winchester collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
