Make: Winchester

Model: 1886

Serial Number: 86122

Year of Manufacture: 1894

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “-MANUFACTURED BY THE- / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.-” and at the receiver with “45-70". The lower tang is marked -“PAT. OCT. 14.1884. / JAN. 20.1885”- and “86122”. 

Barrel Length: 26", Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder-style sight presenting a "V"-notch when down and with a "V"-notched slider on the ladder graduated from 200-1,000 yards, dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. 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 a steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scrapes and scratches, some marks have been finished over. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly muted or worn to white with scattered wear and light oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-plus condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered minor erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The barrel has generally strong finish with wear at the muzzle on each side and scattered minor oxidation. The magazine has similar wear on each side at the front with a patch of wear on the right in front of the forend that has gone to a light patina. The receiver shows muting and wear with strongest color on the left flat and around the hammer. The receiver has scattered minor oxidation and some light marks with a more notable scratch on the left flat. There is residue around the edges of the stocks from their new finish. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock notch. 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 attempt at a lever action rifle capable of handling a rifle cartridge was the Model 1876, which was a heavier framed version of the Model 1873. However, the toggle-link action used in the gun was still limited to short cartridges like the .40-60 and .45-60 Win. The Model 1886 was made to handle longer cartridges like the .45-70 Govt., and the .45-70 Win. and .50-110 Win. cartridges. The Model 1886 utilized a locked-bolt action that was much stronger than the M1876, and some think it is faster and smoother as well. The design was touted as a lever action express model, capable of handling any of the North American game animals.

This is a nice example of a standard Rifle with a 26" round barrel chambered for .45-70 Government. Originally developed by Springfield Armory for the 1873 Trapdoor rifle, the .45-70 has been given a new lease on life with the development of tube magazine-safe projectiles and smokeless powder loads, enjoying something of a renaissance among big-bore fans. This rifle's stocks have been refinished, but it retains much of its original metal finish, a strong bore and good mechanics. It will certainly turn the heads of some Winchester collectors, but should also still prove to be a potent hunting rifle. Please see our photos and good luck!