Winchester Model 1886 Extra Lightweight .45-70 Gov’t Lever Rifle, 1914 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,052.00
WOA#: WY240607RT003
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Year of Manufacture: 1914
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PAT. OCT. 14. 1884. JAN. 20. 1885.” in front of the rear sight, the left is marked “-NICKEL STEEL BARREL- / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER” and “45-70” at the rear. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the chamber ring are each marked “WP” in oval. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1886 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF.”. The bottom tang is marked “153305A”.
Serial Number: 153305A
Barrel Length: 22?, Round Rapid Taper, Approximately 0.94″ at the receiver, 0.62″ at the muzzle.
Sights: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a base fixed to the front of the barrel, the bead is missing. The rear sight is a “V”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled to accept a peep-sight (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and checkered wood buttplate. There is a large oval cut in the buttstock under the buttplate, it appears to have been partially filled with lead. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few more notable dings. Sling studs have been installed in the belly and on the nosecap. The checkering shows wear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, 13″ to the back of the stock. The plate has moderate wear and is not original to the gun. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Black. It is not clear if the finish is paint, cerakote, duracoat, or something else.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 97% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong with a little edge-thinning and light operational wear. There are scattered nicks, scratches and light surface erosion visible under the finish. The mainspring strain-screw is missing. The remaining screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are generally clear, the Winchester proofs are shallow. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 6 out of 10.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box / Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The 1886 is another of John Browning’s industry-changing designs. It is our favorite Winchester here, certainly the strongest built at the time and function leads to beauty. The 1886 was available in a variety of cartridges over its nearly 40 years of production and, while there were standard configurations, there were also special-order features which led to a wide number of variations available to the collector today. This rifle is chambered for the popular .45-70 cartridge. It has the rapid-taper barrel, hollowed buttstock, and half-length magazine of the extra-lightweight model. Perhaps it was too lightweight for the powerful .45-70 as a previous owner appears to have inserted lead into the cavity of the stock, some sort of metallic substance with a white powder residue forming. At 110 years old, it is not surprising that a new finish has been applied, as the gun appears to have been put to its intended use. This would be a good candidate for restoration, whether you’re trying to set it right for a collection or get it back out in the field. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
