Winchester Model 1886 ’86 26″ .40-65 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1896 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,781.67
WOA#: WY240526BJ123
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Serial Number: 105946
Year of Manufacture: 1896
Caliber: .40-65 WCF (Winchester Center Fire)
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 “40-65 W.C.F.”. The upper tang is marked “-MODEL 1886-”. The lower tang is marked -“PAT. OCT. 14.1884. / JAN. 20.1885”- and “105946”.
Barrel Length: 26″, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel, not original to the rifle. The rear sight is a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and crescent steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is minor cracking at the rear edge of the buttstock. There are infrequent tiny losses at edges, most notable at the rear edge of the forend. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a light patina with scattered erosion. 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-moderate erosion and pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 15% of its metal finish. There is a little weak case color visible on the interior of the receiver when the action is opened and on the portions of the lever concealed when the action is closed. Most remaining finish is along the top of the magazine tube with a little along the bottom of the barrel. Otherwise, the surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are more notable tool marks on each side of the barrel at the rear. There is scattered light erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about 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 made to handle longer cartridges like the .45-70 Govt., and the .45-90 Win. and .50-110 Win. cartridges. The Model 1886 utilized a locked-bolt action that was much more strong than the M1876, and some think it is faster and smoother as well. The design was touted as a lever action express model, capable of handling any of the North American game animals. This rifle is chambered for .40-65 WCF, first offered in this model in 1887, and has a 26″ octagonal barrel. The rifle was made in 1896 and appears to have seen its share of use in the field. It is in Very Good overall condition as Antique, retaining a little bit of original finish, a decent bore and strong mechanics. This rifle has honest wear for its age, but the action still functions and it would be a great candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
