Make: Winchester

Model: 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine 3rd Model

Serial Number: 126523

Year of Manufacture: 1876

Caliber: .44 Henry Rimfire

Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Magazine.

Barrel Length: 20"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the front barrel band. The rear sight is a two-position folding sight, presenting either a single "V"-notch marked "1" or having a "V"-notched aperture with a "V"-notch at the top marked "3" and "5", respectively.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a banded forend, straight comb, straight grip and brass (gunmetal) carbine-style buttplate with a sliding door over a storage compartment (there is nothing in the compartment). The top tang inlet and the toe of the buttplate on the interior are each serial matched to the receiver. The stocks have some scattered nicks, scuffs, and scratches with a few more notable dings. The wood is generally slightly shy to the metal. There are a few tiny losses around the tangs. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered nicks and scratches, gone to a mustard patina with the top tang showing the crystalline appearance of old brass. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue and Brass

Finish Originality: The presence of Winchester proofs on the barrel and frame indicate return to the factory,

but we do not know why. The finish appears Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion, stubborn fouling and infrequent pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 35% of its metal finish. The steel parts have mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina. The barrel has some finish in protected areas such as along the stock-line and above the magazine tube. There is a little case color visible on the hammer and lever. The receiver has gone to an even mustard patina with some areas having a crystalline appearance typical of old brass, most notable on the bottom. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a concentration of nicks on the barrel forward of the forend. The receiver has some scattered discoloration, most notably a spot on the right toward the front. The left of the receiver has wear around the saddle ring. The ring's staple has minor play to the receiver. The action shows operational wear. There are tool marks around some screw and pin heads. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. 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 featuring a spring-loaded cover, through which cartridges could be fed into 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 3rd Models chambered in .44 Henry Centerfire and some converted to Centerfire later.

This rifle is a Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine 3rd Model. The rifle has light wear given its age of 150 years and has not been converted for center-fire cartridges, retaining an original rimfire bolt. Interestingly, there are Winchester proofs on the receiver and barrel, indicating return to the factory after 1905, though we do not know why the rifle went back. Most Winchester collectors would never think that their collection was complete without at least all three variations of the M1866, while some would argue for all of the variations of the four different models. This 1866 3rd Model Saddle Ring Carbine will be a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!