Make: Winchester

Model: 1876 Rifle

Serial Number: 59792

Year of Manufacture: 1886

Caliber: .40-60 Winchester Center Fire

Action Type: Lever Action with Full-Length Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 28", Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a steel blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder-style sight which presents a "V"-noch while folded down. When folded up, there is a "V"-notched slider on the ladder which is graduated from 2-10. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with a straight grip, steel nosecap and steel crescent buttplate with sliding door storage compartment (there is nothing in the compartment). The stocks have some light marks with a couple of small losses to each side of the top tang. There is scattered pooled finish, more in the buttstock than the forend. The wood is generally proud to the metal, slightly shy at the toe. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has scattered wear and minor surface erosion, appearing to have been treated with cold blue in the distant past. There is some stubborn adhesive residue on the buttplate. The stocks are in Very Good overall condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Some remaining finish is Original, most surfaces show treatment with cold blue.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is light erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates a 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. Finish remains in some protected areas or around raised features. Most exposed surfaces have a mottled appearance, showing old, worn bold blue or areas going to a light patina. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is infrequent surface erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as 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 Winchester Model 1876 was a heavier-framed rifle than the Model 1873, and was the first to be chambered for full-powered centerfire rifle cartridges, as opposed to rimfire cartridges or handgun-sized centerfire rounds. While similar in design to the 1873, the 1876 was actually based on the prototype 1868 lever-action rifle that was never commercially produced by Winchester. It was introduced to celebrate the American Centennial, and earned a reputation as a durable and powerful hunting rifle that was also used by the Canadian North-West Mounted Police and the Texas Rangers. Theodore Roosevelt used one on his early hunting expeditions in the West and one was found in the possession of Apache warrior Geronimo after his surrender in 1882. Unfortunately, the 1876 lost popularity when the Model 1886 was introduced in heavier calibers.

This rifle's 28" barrel is chambered in .40-60 Winchester Center Fire, a cartridge designed for the short action Model 1876 rifle. It has a shorter, fatter case intended to improve performance over the .45-70 Govt with a lighter bullet traveling notably faster. This Model 1876 rifle is in Very Good condition as Antique. The bore has some erosion and pitting, but the rifle retains some of its original blued finish and strong mechanics. The 1876 Winchester was only made for 21 years, with a total of about 63,871 made in rifle, carbine and musket formats, with the result that ALL are collectable. This would be a great rifle to add to a collection, placed between an 1873 and an 1886. Please see our photos and good luck!