Winchester Model 1886 .45-70 Gov’t 26” Lever Action Rifle 1894 Antique

SOLD FOR: $2,225.00

LSB#: LSB251208RC002

Make: Winchester

Model: 1886

Serial Number: 83609

Year of Manufacture: 1894

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle

Barrel Length: 26″ Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an 1886 type ladder rear sight. The left side of the receiver has had 4 holes drilled and tapped for a scope mount. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent-style steel buttplate.The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Finish has been added to the stocks and finish has gotten on the metal. There are scratches, handling marks and compression dents throughout. There are a few gouges on the stock. There are no cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Mostly original but remaining has been treated with cold blue.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is light pitting in a couple spots. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 25% of its current metal finish. The barrel and mag tube has been scrubbed with cold blue over pitting and other damage. There is streaking, scratches, and corrosion staining throughout. The receiver has lost its color and is corrosion stained throughout. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever lock-up is tight and 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, Paperwork & Accessories: None. 

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1886 stands among the great heavy sporting rifles of the American West, designed by John Browning to handle powerful cartridges beyond the limits of earlier toggle link actions. Produced in 1894, this antique example represents the era when big bore lever rifles were carried on horseback across open range and into timbered mountains. The 26 inch round barrel, crescent steel buttplate, and capped forend reflect the classic long rifle configuration of the period. The 1886 pattern ladder rear sight and beaded front maintain traditional sighting elements, though the left side of the receiver has been drilled and tapped with four holes for a scope mount at some point in its life, marking a later alteration to the original profile.

Chambered in .45-70 Government, the rifle carries one of the most storied American cartridges ever fielded. Introduced in 1873 for the Springfield Trapdoor, the .45-70 quickly proved itself on the plains and in sporting use, typically launching heavy 405 grain bullets with substantial authority. In the strong Model 1886 action, the cartridge became a preferred option for large game hunting in North America. The bore on this example is bright with sharp rifling, showing no erosion and only light pitting in a few spots, and rates 8 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly with tight lever lock up and a crisp trigger, preserving the robust mechanical character for which the 1886 is respected.

This rifle retains approximately 25 percent of its current metal finish. The barrel and magazine tube have been scrubbed and treated with cold blue over prior pitting and wear, resulting in visible streaking, scratches, and corrosion staining. The receiver has lost its original color and shows corrosion staining throughout. Screw heads are tool marked but remain serviceable, and the factory markings are clear and legible. The walnut stocks rate in Good condition, showing added finish with some overlap onto the metal, scratches, compression dents, and a few gouges, but no cracks. Overall, this is a mechanically solid Winchester Model 1886 from 1894 that reflects a long working life and subsequent efforts at preservation while retaining the imposing presence and historic chambering that define the big bore lever rifle era. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF/MA