Winchester Model 1886 26″ Round .38-56 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1892 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,602.00
LSB#: WY240920JV001
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Serial Number: 70946
Year of Manufacture: 1892
Caliber: .38-56 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “-MANUFACTURED BY THE- / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.-” and at the receiver with “38-56 W.C.F.”. The upper tang is marked “-MODEL 1886-”. The lower tang is marked -“PAT. OCT. 14.1884. / JAN. 20.1885”- and “70946”.
Barrel Length: 26″, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed 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 notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and crescent steel buttplate. The stocks have some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a couple of short cracks at the bottom-front of the forend and a short, thin crack at the right-front of the wrist. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 12 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly gone to a nickel-like appearance, common for Winchester case-hardening of this era, with some light wear and oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 35% of its metal finish. Strongest finish is on the barrel which does show some wear and minor erosion behind the front sight and on the left just in front of the forend. The magazine tube has some finish along the top with most of the exposed surface showing wear. The worn areas has mostly gone to a light patina. There is a little good case color on protected areas of the hammer, lever, and receiver. Most exposed surfaces of the receiver have a nickel-like appearance, common for Winchester case-hardening of this era, or have worn and gone to a light patina. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some minor surface erosion, most notable is the patch on the left of the barrel noted above. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock notch. 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 is chambered in .38-56 WCF and has fairly light wear given its age. The rifle was made in 1892 and at more than 130 years old is in Very Good overall condition as Antique. About 35% of its metal finish remains with a fair bore and strong mechanics. The collectors should have some interest in this rifle, but it is equally suited for restoration and taking back out in the field. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
