Winchester Model 1886 26″ Set Trigger .40-82 WCF Lever Rifle, Ca. 1900 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3525

LSB#: 230914LM078

Make: Winchester

Model: 1886

Serial Number: The bottom tang assembly has been replaced, the tang is not serial marked.

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1900

Caliber: .40-82 WCF

Action Type: Lever Action with Full-Length Tubular Magazine and Set-Trigger

Barrel Length: 26″, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a 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 notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang 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 few more notable marks in the belly. There are no chips cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has worn to white with some scattered nicks, scratches and surface oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original to the parts, the bottom tang assembly is not original to the rifle.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and some pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6 out of 10.

Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The edges are worn to white. There is fairly evenly scattered light wear with the exception of the bottom tang which is worn to white and the lever which has muted. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with a more notable scratch on the right of the receiver above the trigger guard. Some worn areas are discolored from oxidation. 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 about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger can be set by pressing forward on the rear trigger spur, resulting in a light, crisp trigger pull. The trigger is heavier, but still crisp when not set. 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 .40-82 WCF and has honest wear consistent with its age. The rifle has been equipped with a replacement bottom tang, likely for the set-trigger. The receiver’s markings and blue finish indicate it was most likely produced sometime around 1900. The rifle retains much of its metal finish and strong mechanics. It will make a nice addition to a Winchester collection missing the Model 1886. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud

Winchester Model 1886 26" Set Trigger .40-82 WCF Lever Rifle, Ca. 1900 C&R
Winchester Model 1886 26″ Set Trigger .40-82 WCF Lever Rifle, Ca. 1900 C&R