Make: Winchester

Model: Custom Model 1866

Serial Number: 29557

Year of Manufacture: 1870, we do not know when this rifle was customized.

Caliber: The barrel is chambered for .38 WCF, but the lifter channel will only accept a COAL of 1.38". This rifle will not function with .38-40 Winchester cartridges.

Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: The installed barrel has been cut to 21 1/2", Round.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding notch dovetailed to the rear of the barrel, showing heavy wear and without spring-detent to hold it in either position. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight, none present.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with steel nosecap, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have only a few scattered minor marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a moderate patina with scattered erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue & Brass

Finish Originality: The receiver shows notable polishing, the barrel is not original to the gun. There are likely other replacement parts.

Bore Condition: The bore is dark with generally well defined rifling. There is moderate-heavy erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 4/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its current metal finish. The magazine tube has thinning, but retains some blue. The brass surfaces show polishing. The barrel has gone to a moderate-dark patina. There are scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches, most notable at the bottom of the receiver on each side. There is scattered erosion on the steel parts. The action shows wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this rifle is in Fair condition as customized Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, however it will not feed .38-40 cartridges. We have not fired 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 Model 1866 rifle was the first firearm to be built by the new Winchester Arms after they changed their name from the New Haven Arms Company in 1866. The Model 1866 was a much-improved version of the Henry rifle, with a loading port on the right side of the receiver and a new solid magazine tube that was much stronger than the slotted tube used on the Henry. The loading gate precluded the need for an external follower, allowing for a walnut forend to be installed which prevented the user from burning their hands during extensive firing. The M1866 was made in rifle, carbine and musket versions and in four different models dependent on date of manufacture. All of the different models were chambered in .44 Henry Rimfire, with some of the later 4th Models chambered in .44 Henry Centerfire and some converted to Centerfire later.

This is Model 1866 has seen some rather radical customization and partial restoration. In addition to a nice set of replacement stocks, it has a Model 1873 barrel installed chambered for .38-40 Winchester with a centerfire bushing on the bolt. This conversion presents some issues, most notable is that the .38-40 cartridge is longer than the lifter channel, preventing the rifle from actually cycling a cartridge. It is an interesting project rifle and would be well worth completing the restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!