Winchester Model 1886 Takedown 24″.33 WCF Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1930 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,380.00

LSB#:  LSB251028JS001

Make: Winchester

Model: 1886 Takedown

Year of Manufacture: 1930 / C&R ()

Caliber: .33 WCF

Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed Rifle

Serial Number: 159546A

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.A-”.over the WInchester patent dates.   The top of the chamber is marked “.”.  The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL—.33 W.C.F—”. The right side of the barrel is marked “—MODEL 1886—”.  The bottom tang is marked “159546A”.  There are Winchester “WP” proofs on the top of the barrel and the receiver. 

Barrel Length: 24”, 3 /4 length takedown magazine tube.

Sights: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a base forged to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a buckhorn elevator sight v notch dovetailed to the barrel.  There is a Marble’s Tang peep sight attached to the top tang. 

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, 3/ 4 length take down magazine, straight grip, straight comb and checkered Shotgun-style hard rubber buttplate. The stocks have minor scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches.  The LOP measures 13 1/8? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are spots of finish loss on the left side of the buttstock. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.  

Type of Finish: Color Case Hardened, Blued

Finish Originality:  

Bore Condition:  The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined.  There is no erosion in the bore  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10 for C&R.  

Overall Condition:  The rifle retains approximately 90% of its finish.  The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as C&R. 

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly and smoothly. The lever locks up solidly. The trigger is crisp. The takedown mechanism is very tight.  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 as one of John Moses Browning’s most important and influential lever action designs, created to provide a level of strength and durability previously unattainable in repeating rifles. Introduced in 1886 and produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, the Model 1886 employed a robust dual locking block system that allowed it to safely handle powerful cartridges well beyond the capabilities of earlier lever guns. By 1930, when this rifle was manufactured, the Model 1886 had reached its fully refined smokeless era configuration, reflecting the peak of Winchester’s prewar craftsmanship and Browning’s original engineering intent.

This example is further distinguished by its takedown configuration, a highly desirable feature that allowed the rifle to be separated for compact transport and storage without sacrificing rigidity when assembled. Chambered in .33 WCF, one of Winchester’s premier early smokeless hunting cartridges introduced in 1902, this rifle was well suited for North American big game and represented a significant step forward in ballistic performance for lever action rifles. The 24 inch barrel and three quarter length takedown magazine balance the rifle well, while the Marble’s tang peep sight provides a period appropriate enhancement to the sighting system without detracting from the rifle’s classic appearance.

Condition is notably strong throughout. The rifle retains approximately 90 percent of its finish, with clear markings, solid mechanical function, and an exceptional bore that remains bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, an outstanding attribute for a C&R era hunting rifle. The walnut stocks show only minor handling marks and light finish loss, presenting very well overall. This 1930 Winchester Model 1886 Takedown exemplifies the height of American lever action development and remains a highly desirable example of one of Winchester’s most respected sporting rifles. Please see our high quality photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!!

BF