Make: Winchester

Model: 1886

Serial Number: 133368A. The “A” suffix in the serial number denotes a design/production change by Winchester during the manufacturing process of the Model 1886.

Year of Manufacture: 1904

Caliber: .33 Winchester Center Fire (WCF)

Action Type: Lever Action Tubular Magazine Fed Rifle

Barrel Length: 24″ Round

Sights: The front sight is a Lyman “Hunting” half round blade with a gold insert, it is dovetailed in a base set on the barrel.The rear sight is a“V” notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled to accept a peep-sight (none included). 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent metal buttplate. There are scattered areas of thinning and finish loss. There are scattered compressions, dings, nicks, and scratches. Some marks have removed portions of surface wood. Most of the marks have aged and discolored. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has finish loss, scabbing, marks in the metal, and a few areas of minor pitting. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark gray and the rifling is strong. There is pitting throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 75% of its metal finish. There is damage to the gold portion of the front sight. There are areas of thinning and finish loss. There are scattered spots of oxidation and discoloration from previous oxidation. There are some areas of minor pitting, mostly on the receiver and loading gate. There are nicks and scratches in the metal scattered throughout. The case color has muted. The screw heads are sharp. 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, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: “Traditionally the sum of $50,000 is accepted as the price Winchester paid John Browning for the patent and production rights to what became the Model 1886.”

-R.L. Wilson, “Winchester An American Legend”.

The Model 1886 is another of John Browning’s industry-changing designs. It incorporated two vertical locking bolts to the breech, as opposed to the toggle link action of Winchester’s previous lever action designs, which made the action much stronger. There were 10 choices of caliber, and the Model 1886 was produced for nearly 50 years, all the way until 1935. The .33 WCF chambering was the smallest caliber offered, and introduced for the Model 1886 in 1902. Winchester cataloged it as the “.33 Caliber Winchester Smokeless Model 1886”. .33 WCF is a good medium-range hunting cartridge, with performance roughly equivalent to or slightly better than .35 Remington.

This Winchester Model 1886 Rifle was made in 1904 and is in Very Good condition. It features about 75% of its original blued finish, a 24” barrel, strong mechanics, and a good, shootable bore. It looks to have seen a useful life, but also appears to have been well maintained by responsible sportsmen. This would still make a good hunting rifle today, but should also attract Winchester collectors.