Make: Winchester

Model: 1886

Year of Manufacture: 1898

Caliber: .40-82 WCF

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine

Serial Number: 118635

Barrel Length: 24", Octagonal

Sights: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel; the top has been filed down some. The rear sight is a "U"-notch 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, capped pistol grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. There is a repaired chip in the left of the wrist at the top-front. There are scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches, most and more notable in the forend. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate's new case color finish is generally strong with scattered erosion under the finish.

Type of Finish: Browned & Case Color

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 4-5/10.

Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 96% of its current metal finish. There are some scattered nicks and scratches, some under the finish. There is scattered erosion and tool marks under the finish. The browned finish is uneven with slight mottling. 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 Fair-Good condition as refinished Antique (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: The action does not function correctly, the lifter will not rise. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box / Accessories: None.

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 rifle was made in 1898 and has a 24" barrel chambered for the .40-82 WCF cartridge. The rifle has been refinished and would be well worth restoring to proper function, the lifter currently will not rise. A little more work should yield a neat Winchester that will add to your collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!