Make: Winchester

Model: 1886

Serial Number: 60892

Year of Manufacture: 1891

Caliber: The barrel has been re-bored and re-chambered for .45-70 Gov’t.

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “-MANUFACTURED BY THE- / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.-” and at the receiver with “45-70 W.C.F.” ("45-70" is not the original factory marking). The lower tang is marked -“PAT. OCT. 14.1884. / JAN. 20.1885”- and “60892”. 

Barrel Length: The octagonal barrel has been cut to approximately 25 1/2".

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed and screw-set to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn "V"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled and tapped with a Marble folding tang sight installed, adjustable for elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and crescent steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings scuffs and scratches. There is discoloration and odd finish wear in the wrist where there are also some more notable dings and bruises. There are a few tiny losses at edges. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has worn to white with some scattered nicks, scratches and light oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, the barrel has been altered.

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 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its metal finish. There is infrequent finish in well protected areas or around raised features. Most surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is some scattered light oxidation and minor erosion. There are nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable at the front of the magazine tube. There are tool marks at the rear. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are generally clear, the serial is struck shallow as is common in this period of production. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as customized Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock notch. 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: Winchester’s first attempt at a lever action rifle capable of handling a rifle cartridge was the Model 1876, which was a heavier framed version of the Model 1873. However, the toggle-link action used in the gun was still limited to short cartridges like the .40-60 and .45-60 Win. The Model 1886 was made to handle longer cartridges like the .45-70 Govt., and the .45-70 Win. and .50-110 Win. cartridges. The Model 1886 utilized a locked-bolt action that was much stronger than the M1876, and some think it is faster and smoother as well. The design was touted as a lever action express model, capable of handling any of the North American game animals. This rifle was produced in 1891 and has had the barrel re-chambered and re-bored for .45-70 Government, likely much easier to find these days than the original chambering. This rifle has honest wear for its age, but its new bore is in great shape and the action still functions correctly. It would be a neat addition to a Winchester collection but could likely also still drop game for generations to come. Please see our photos and good luck!