Make: Winchester

Model: 1886

Serial Number: 50699

Year of Manufacture: 1890 / Antique

Caliber: .40-82 W.C.F.

Action Type: Lever Action with Full-Length Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 26", Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight, none present.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and crescent steel buttplate. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has turned silver with scattered light oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition as antique.

Type of Finish: Case Hardened, Blued.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well defined. There is light erosion throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is very strong for an antique. The blueing is deep with some portions turning a rich plum color, particularly in the end of the magazine tube. There are a few scattered nicks and handling marks. There is a surprising amount of case color on the receiver, lever and hammer. The case color is vibrant in the protected areas and even on the sides of the lever. Other more muted areas have turned silver. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer holds at half cock. The lever locks up tight. The trigger is crisp. 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: Winchester’s first serious effort at a lever-action rifle capable of handling true rifle cartridges was the Model 1876, essentially a strengthened and enlarged version of the Model 1873. Despite its heavier frame, the 1876 retained the toggle-link action, which limited it to relatively short cartridges such as the .40-60 and .45-60 Winchester. Recognizing these limitations, Winchester turned to John Moses Browning, whose 1886 design marked a decisive leap forward in lever-action development. The Model 1886 was purpose-built to accommodate longer and more powerful cartridges, including the .45-70 Government, .45-90 Winchester, and the formidable .50-110 Winchester.

Browning’s locked-bolt action represented a substantial improvement in strength over the earlier toggle-link system and is widely regarded as both smoother and faster in operation. Marketed as an “express” rifle, the Winchester Model 1886 was promoted as capable of taking any North American game, from plains to timber. Manufactured in 1890, this example has clearly benefited from careful stewardship over the past century. The case colors are exceptional and represent some of the strongest retained colors we have observed on an 1886 in recent memory. Combined with its solid mechanics and strong bore, this rifle stands as a prime example of Winchester’s golden-era craftsmanship, well suited for a discerning collector or as a historically significant shooter.