Make: Winchester, made by Miroku in Japan

Model: 1886 Limited, 239 of 500

Serial Number: 00239MZ860

Year of Manufacture: 2001 (MZ date code)

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle, Rebounding Hammer & Tang Safety

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 elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and matte blued steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have some light marks. There are a few more notable nicks on the bottom of the forend. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Matte Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are are a few minor nicks, scuffs and small scratches. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.

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, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 1886 Limited made in 2001. 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 issue 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 and rebounding hammer. This one appears to have seen limited use. It retains 97% of its metal finish with a nice bore and would make a great addition to any 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. In such high condition, it will likely see interest from collectors. 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!