Winchester Model 1886 Takedown 24″ .45-70 Lever Action Rifle MFD 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,251.00
LSB#: LSB260130RL014
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886 Takedown
Year of Manufacture: 1919 / C&R ()
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed Rifle
Serial Number: 156449
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Manufactured by Winchester Repeating Arms Co. New Haven Conn, USA, Pat Oct 14, 1884. Jan 30, 1885/ Nickel Steel Barrel Especially for Smokeless Powder”. The barrel has been wiped and remarked for caliber 45-70. The “WCF” still shows from the previous caliber mark. There are Winchester proof marks on the barrel and receiver. The upper tang is marked “Model 1886 Winchester, Trade Mark Reg in U.S. Pat. Off.” The serial number is marked on the lower tang.
Barrel Length: 24”, 2/3 length takedown magazine tube.
Sights: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a ramp integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf semi buckhorn with elevator, dovetailed to the barrel. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and shotgun style Winchester buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. The stock has been refinished. The forend has shrunk and rubber fill has been added. There is oil darkening near the metal. There are scratches and handling marks throughout. There is some light chipping near the forend cap. There are some small round repairs on the left side of the stock. There are no cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition for a refinish.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: This rifle has been rebored to 45-70 from a smaller bore, likely 33 WCF. The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is a fair amount of stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The barrel has taken on a plum hue in spots, very typical of rebluing nickel steel. There is pitting that has been blued over. The edges have been rolled somewhat. There are polish marks showing through the bluing. The screw heads have been tooled and rounded but are serviceable. The markings are softened but legible. Overall this rifle is in Good condition for a refinish.
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 Browning’s most enduring lever-action designs, engineered specifically to handle the heavy, full-power cartridges that earlier toggle-link Winchesters could not reliably accommodate. Introduced in 1886 and remaining in production into the early 20th century, it became synonymous with strength, reliability, and the expanding American frontier. By 1919, when this example was produced, the rifle represented the mature form of the design, benefiting from improvements such as nickel steel barrels suited for smokeless powder. Chambered in .45-70 Government, a cartridge adopted by the U.S. military in 1873 and long respected for its authority on large game, the platform offered a compelling combination of power and rapid follow-up capability that kept it relevant well into the smokeless era.
This takedown-configured rifle reflects a long working life, having been refinished and rebored from its original smaller caliber, likely .33 WCF, to .45-70. The barrel markings still hint at its earlier chambering, with remnants of the original “WCF” designation visible beneath the updated caliber stamp. The metal now retains approximately 95% of its reapplied finish, with characteristic plum tones in the nickel steel barrel, underlying pitting, and softened edges from polishing prior to rebluing. The walnut stock has likewise been refinished, showing handling wear, oil darkening, and period repairs, including small round plugs and filler at the forend where shrinkage has occurred. These features collectively tell the story of a rifle that has been maintained and adapted over time rather than preserved in original configuration.
Mechanically, the rifle remains solid, with a smooth lever throw, secure lockup, and a notably tight takedown interface, all hallmarks of a well-fitted Model 1886. The rebored barrel presents with a bright bore and strong rifling, though it retains some fouling consistent with use. The classic sighting arrangement of a semi-buckhorn rear and beaded front blade remains intact, and the drilled and tapped upper tang offers additional sighting options. Altogether, this rifle embodies the practical evolution of a classic Winchester, reflecting both the rugged utility of the Model 1886 and the continued demand for the versatile .45-70 chambering across generations. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF