Make: Winchester

Model: 1886

Serial Number: 137386

Year of Manufacture: 1905

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Lever Action Tubular Magazine Fed Rifle with Takedown Receiver

Barrel Length: 22", Round Rapid-Taper (approximately 0.938" at the receiver, 0.640" at the muzzle)

Sights: The front sight is a Lyman brass beaded blade dovetailed to a base forged to the front of the barrel. There is a dovetail on the rear of the barrel, currently filled with a blank. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight, none present. The left of the receiver has been drilled and tapped with a Lyman receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and checkered black hard rubber Winchester buttplate. Under the plate, the rear of the buttstock has an oval relief cut typical of Lightweight models. The stocks have some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a more notable ding above the belly on the left. There are a few spots of pooled finish. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The barrel has an oval "P" marking, indicating replacement outside the factory.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 85% of its metal finish. The barrel retains strong finish with infrequent light wear, most notable on the bottom from takedown. The receiver, lever and nosecap have scattered surface erosion. The receiver has some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable around the receiver sight. There is wear in the bottom tang behind the lever. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good 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 and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1886 is one of the legendary John Browning designs that cemented Winchester's reputation as a maker of powerful and reliable lever-action rifles. Introduced in the late 19th century, the Model 1886 was specifically engineered to handle large black powder cartridges like the .45-70 Government, making it a favorite among hunters and frontiersmen who needed dependable stopping power for big game. By 1905, when this rifle was manufactured, the model had already proven itself as a rugged and versatile firearm capable of taking on the toughest challenges in North America. The takedown configuration added further practicality, allowing the rifle to be broken down for transport or storage, an especially valuable feature for those traveling long distances by rail, stage, or horseback.

This example, chambered in .45-70, retains about 85% of its blue finish, with sharp markings and a bright 9/10 bore. The finish is original to the parts, however the barrel is a replacement installed outside the factory. The rifle's configuration, with a 22" rapid-taper barrel, short magazine, and lightweight stock with a hollow under the buttplate, makes for a very handy, yet powerful gun, perfect for hunting. The action remains smooth and solid, with proper function of the half-cock safety and lever lockup. The walnut stocks present well with evidence of honest handling, having been refinished, but not showing signs of excessive sanding. Collectors of early Winchester lever-actions will appreciate the combination of historical significance, mechanical soundness, and classic presentation that this 1886 takedown offers. Whether sought as a functional shooter in a venerable chambering or as a piece in a Winchester collection, this rifle represents the enduring appeal of one of Browning's finest lever-action designs. Please see our photos and good luck!