Make: Winchester

Model: 1886

Serial Number: 44351

Year of Manufacture: 1892

Caliber: .38-56 WCF

Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 26", Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a two-position folding Beech-style sight presenting either a blade or a hooded, beaded post, dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The hood is bent backward slightly, but does not inhibit use, the front sight is not original to the rifle. The rear sight is a "V"-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top 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 steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few more notable dings, mostly in the belly and toward the toe. There is some discoloration in the left of the wrist. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with some minor oxidation and infrequent erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-plus condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered minor erosion and infrequent pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The receiver has some strong color in the right flat and top tang, some areas muted or gone to a nickel-like appearance typical of Winchester case color of this era. The barrel has generally strong blue finish. The magazine has finish wear along the bottom with most worn areas gone to a light patina. There are scattered spots of minor oxidation. There are a few light nicks, scuffs and small scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-Fine 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: A Cody Firearms Records Office search is included which indicates this rifle was produced as a .38/56 with round barrel, received in warehouse June 10, 1890 and shipped June 19, 1890 with on order 13655.

Our Assessment: The 1886 is another of John Browning’s industry-changing designs. It is our favorite Winchester here, certainly the strongest built at the time and function leads to beauty. The 1886 was available in a variety of cartridges over its nearly 40 years of production and, while there were standard configurations, there were also special-order features which led to a wide number of variations available to the collector today.

This example is a rifle with a 26" round barrel chambered for the .38-56 Winchester Center Fire cartridge. This rifle is in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique, showing light wear given its age, retaining a decent bore and strong mechanics. Altogether, this is a nice example of a Winchester 1886, in quite nice condition for hunting rifle that's more than 135 years old. It will make a wonderful addition to a Winchester collection and may even have a few trips in the field left in it. Please see our pictures and good luck!