Make: Winchester

Model: 1886

Serial Number: 54887

Year of Manufacture: 1890

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle

Barrel Length: 21 3/4” Octagonal.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an invertible

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, and crescent-style steel buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. There are a few handling marks and compressions. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor scuffs on the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine Plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished. There are no barrel markings.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its current metal finish. There are faint signs of operational and handling wear. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There is oxidation on the bottom of the barrel. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fair - Good condition. (See Mechanics)

Mechanics: The magtube is loose and slides freely within its housing, otherwise, the action functions correctly. There is a small notch in the bottom of the barrel for the magtube to seat into but the fit is loose. The lever lock-up is tight and the trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1886, manufactured in 1890 and chambered in the formidable .45-70 Government cartridge, is a powerful example of the lever-action rifle that helped bridge the gap between black powder and smokeless eras. Designed by John M. Browning, the 1886 was built to handle large, powerful cartridges, making it a favorite among big-game hunters and frontiersmen. This example has been refinished and sports a shortened 21 3/4" octagonal barrel, giving it a more compact profile than typical 1886s—an appealing feature for those who appreciate the heft and balance of a trimmed-down big-bore lever gun. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating an excellent 9/10, and the smooth walnut stocks remain solid with only light wear and no structural flaws.

While the mag tube is currently loose and will need attention to bring it back to secure, functional condition, the action otherwise functions correctly, with a crisp trigger and solid lock-up. This rifle retains 99% of its refinished blue, and the overall aesthetic is striking, with clear markings and sharp screw heads. As an antique manufactured in 1890, this rifle is eligible for transfer without an FFL in most jurisdictions, adding to its collector appeal. Whether viewed as a restoration platform, a piece of Winchester history, or a unique shooter project, this 1886 is a beautiful representation of a golden age of American rifle making.