Make: Winchester, we do not know who customized the rifle but it is marked "SS" on each side of the bottom tang.

Model: 1886

Year of Manufacture: 1896

Caliber: .50-110 Express, likely re-chambered at time of customization.

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

Serial Number: 103892

Barrel Length: 22", Octagonal

Sights: The front sight is a white beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sght dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered deluxe walnut with orange rubber London Guns buttpad. The stocks have some light nicks and scuffs. There is a grain-line crack on the bottom-rear of the forend that does not extend to any edges. There is some pooled finish on the right of the comb. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 3/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has light wear and discoloration. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as replaced and/or restored.

Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color & Gold Trim

Finish Originality: Professionally Restored/Up-Graded

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: The rifle retains approximately 96% of its current metal finish. There are a few minor nicks and scuffs. The magazine tube has light wear from disassembly/reassembly. There is some streaking on the bottom of the receiver. There is some erosion on the rear face of the barrel extension, concealed when assembled. The action shows minor operational wear. The lifter shows signs of polishing and tool marks consistent with modification to accomodate the .50-110 cartridge. The screw heads range from sharp to very lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as restored/up-graded.

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 / Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The 1886 is another of John Browning’s industry-changing designs. It is our favorite Winchester here, certainly the strongest built at the time and function leads to beauty. The 1886 was available in a variety of cartridges over its nearly 40 years of production and, while there were standard configurations, there were also special-order features which led to a wide number of variations available to the collector today. This rifle is a takedown model from 1896 and is a beautifully restored and customized rifle. It has strong blue and case color finish with gold accents on the hammer, lever and barrel extension. The receiver has scroll and border engraving with a bear scene on the left flat, consistent with the style of Winchester factory engraving. The rifle is equipped with checkered deluxe walnut stocks. It appears to have been modified and re-chambered for its current chambering of .50-110 Express, a nice caliber to have on hand if you confront a bear. This gorgeous rifle will make a wonderful addition to any collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!