Winchester Model 1886 ’86 26″ Octagonal .40-65 WCF Lever Rifle 1895 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1525

LSB#: 210823DD01

Make: Winchester

Model: 1886

Serial Number: 94596

Year of Manufacture: 1895

Caliber: .40-65 WCF (Winchester Center Fire)

Action Type: Lever Action with Half-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 “94596”.

Barrel Length: 26″, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: 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 stepped “V”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel, the elevator is missing. The rear sight is not original to the rifle. 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 are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly gone to a moderate-dark patina with scattered wear and some minor surface erosion. The fit of the stock to the buttplate is good, but the fit between the stocks and the receiver and barrel indicates refinishing or replacement. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: There is no evidence of a new finish being applied, but areas appear to have had the finish intentionally removed. The magazine tube is not original to the gun.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light-moderate erosion in the bore with some light pitting.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its metal finish. There is infrequent remaining finish, strongest on the top of the magazine tube. Most surfaces have a mottled appearance with areas worn or polished bright, interrupted by light-moderate patina and light surface erosion. A blank has been installed in the slot for the original magazine bracket and the blank has been blended to the barrel profile. There are several scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The bottom tang is bowed out slightly. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The bottom tang is bowed out slightly, but 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 strong 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 for .40-65 WCF, first offered in this model in 1887, and has a 26″ octagonal barrel. The rifle was made in 1895, fairly early in M1886 production, and appears to have seen its share of use in the field. It is in about Good overall condition as Antique, having been equipped with a half-length magazine and with some work to clean up the metal surfaces. This rifle has seen some honest wear, but the action still functions and it would be a great candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!