Make: Winchester

Model: 1866

Serial Number: The serial marking was removed when the lower tang was repaired.

Year of Manufacture: Based on serial placement and features, we believe the rifle was produced ca. 1868-1872.

Caliber: Originally .44 Henry Rimfire, a centerfire bushing has been installed on the bolt.

Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 24", Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a steel blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel, showing notable wear. The rear is missing, but its base is dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with brass nosecap, straight grip, straight comb, and brass crescent buttplate with a trapdoor storage compartment, nothing in the compartment. The interior of the buttplate is marked "5998" on the webbing at the toe. The nosecap has a hole to mount a sling swivel which is not present, there is no provision for a rear sling mount. The bottom stock mounting wood screw hole is stripped, a small piece of wood was inserted to retain the screw. The buttstock has a tiny loss at the toe, a crack at the rear of the top tang, and one notable scratch on the left of the wrist. There are some other scattered more minor scuffs and handling marks. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a moderate patina with scattered light marks. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as refinished and/or not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue & Brass

Finish Originality: Remaining finish is mostly original to the parts. The bottom tang was likely replaced during the repair, some small parts may be replaced.

Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is moderate erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 4/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish, all in the receiver. The steel parts have gone to a light-moderate patina with scattered light oxidation and some surface erosion. The brass parts have gone to a mustard patina with braze-repairs on the top of the receiver and the bottom tang where it broke through and was repaired. There are scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The action shows wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition as repaired Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 and 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 4th Models chambered in .44 Henry Centerfire and some converted to Centerfire later.

This is Model 1866 has seen some repair and fitted with a centerfire bushing on the bolt. The repair includes a braze-repair on the top of the receiver and a bottom tang which broke off and was braze-repaired. It is an interesting rifle and would be a neat addition to any collection or candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck!