Winchester Model 1886 ’86 .45-70 Govt. 26″ Lever Action Rifle MFD 1997-1998

SOLD FOR: $1450

LSB#: 210831RL06

Make: Winchester

Model: 1886

Serial Number: ES1287

Year of Manufacture: 1997-1998

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle

Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “U.S. REPEATING ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. / MADE IN JAPAN”, “-WINCHESTER- / LICENSEE” and at the rear with an ovalled “WP” proof. The top-rear of the barrel is marked “CAL. .45-70 GOVT”. The top of the chamber ring is marked with ovalled “WP”, the top tang is marked “WINCHESTER / MODEL 1886”. The bottom front of the receiver is marked “ES1287”.

Barrel Length: 26?, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch semi-buckhorn leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb and blued steel crescent buttplate. There are a couple light handling marks. There is a light mark on the right side of the forend on the top edge. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light handling wear and there is a small spot of oxidation and finish loss towards the toe. The plate rates in about Fine condition. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is a spot of oxidation on the front of the lever. There are some spots of light oxidation in the hammer spur serrations. There are some light handling marks. There is light operational wear. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a rebounding hammer and there is a tang-mounted safety. 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: Included is a serial matching box and manual.

Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 1886 made in 1997 or 1998. The 1886 followed up the 1876, providing a much stronger action which was able to withstand larger and more powerful cartridges such as the .45-70, the issued rifle cartridge of the U.S. Army at the time. The design would later be shrunk for the model 1892. This modern reintroduction has the same action with a tang-mounted safety. This one appears to have seen little if any use but likely just didn’t get a light coat of oil and developed a couple of spots of oxidation. It retains 97% of its metal finish with a great bore, strong mechanics, and would make a great addition to a collection. With its 26? octagonal barrel and .45-70 chambering, this would make a nice hunting rifle that could take just about any game in North America, though it’s a bit heavy for taking it on a long stalk. If you’re looking for a .45-70 lever gun, you can’t do much better than this. Please see our photos and good luck!